Smelling smoke? South Jersey wildfire smoke blowing toward PA
ATCO, N.J. (CBS) -- People in South Jersey have been smelling smoke from the Dragway Wildfire burning in Wharton State Forest for days. Now, on Thursday, winds are carrying that smoke northwest into Philadelphia.
The fire started Sunday is now 100% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. It grew to 1,700 acres but seems to still be producing smoke within the contained area.
CBS News Philadelphia viewers wrote in and said they were smelling smoke in Horsham and in Philadelphia.
In Burlington County, Evesham Township police said residents may be smelling smoke Thursday.
Winds are blowing out of the southeast, which is carrying the smoke to the northwest and will bring a smoky haze and smell of smoke into the city and suburbs in Pennsylvania.
The winds will remain out of the south and southeast through Friday when a cold front is expected to move through Saturday morning, which will shift the winds to the southwest and then eventually to the north. This will cause any lingering smoke to blow away from the Philadelphia suburbs.
The air quality has been reduced in the Marlton, New Jersey, area due to the increased level of smoke in the air.
Thursday morning, a sensor in the Marlton area found the air to be "Unhealthy" with an Air Quality Index of 156. At this level, everyone should consider keeping outdoor activities light and short and to go indoors if you experience any symptoms. Sensitive groups should considering moving all activities indoors.
Other locations northeast of Philadelphia, including Pennsauken, New Jersey, are reporting "Moderate" air quality conditions, also likely due to some smoke in the air.
The Dragway Wildfire is the 13th major wildfire in New Jersey this year. At this time last year, there were only two. Other major fires include the Allen Road fire in Bass River State Forest.
The NJFFS considers fires 100 acres in size or larger to be "major" wildfires.
