Firefighters race to contain catastrophic blaze tearing through local communities: 'We still have a lot of work to do'
A massive wildfire has torn through parts of Southern New Jersey, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and covering nearby towns in smoke, and it's a part of the increasingly prevalent extreme weather problem.
The Jones Road Wildfire started Monday in the Pine Barrens region of Ocean County, according to CBS News. Since then, it's burned more than 12,500 acres across Barnegat, Lacey, and Ocean Townships, and as of the morning of Thursday, April 24, it was still not under control. Officials say it's about 50% contained, and over 100 firefighters are working nonstop to try to stop it from spreading even more.
The wildfire broke out in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area and spread quickly because of dry brush, wind, and warm weather. New Jersey's governor declared a state of emergency since fire crews are still struggling to contain it.
One commercial building and several vehicles have already been destroyed. At one point, nearly 25,000 people lost power. Around 5,000 residents were told to evacuate, though they've since been allowed to return home.
"We still have a lot of work to do to achieve complete containment of the wildfire," said State Fire Service Chief Greg McLaughlin during an update.
This is now the biggest wildfire in the state this year and one of the worst in nearly 20 years. According to reports, the flames came dangerously close to the closed Oyster Creek nuclear power plant.
The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but it started during a stretch of unusually dry, warm weather for April.
Fires like this used to be rare in New Jersey. Scientists say the increase in wildfires and the difficulty in containing them are due to the changing climate, which makes the weather hotter, drier, and more extreme. This makes it easier for fires to start and spread.
New Jersey's Pine Barrens is especially risky. The forest there is dense and full of flammable plants. With longer dry periods and less spring rain, fires can grow fast. These fires threaten homes, make the air unhealthy to breathe, and destroy wildlife habitats. And as the planet keeps warming, experts say we'll likely see more big fires like this.
Firefighters are using bulldozers and backfires to try to stop the flames from moving closer to homes. Crews are also working to protect the forest itself from more damage.
Do you think your city has good air quality?
Definitely
Somewhat
Depends on the time of year
Not at all
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
The U.S. Forest Service spent $16 million on wildfire prevention, including early detection systems and clearing out invasive plants that make fires worse.
On an individual level, you can do the following: Avoid burning yard waste, follow local fire bans, and keep your home's surroundings clear of flammable debris. Just as importantly, switching to clean energy and limiting pollution are keys to averting the extreme weather conditions that exacerbate wildfires. If you're looking to add solar panels, EnergySage is a great place to start.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
10 hours ago
- CBS News
Heat weave continues in the Philadelphia area, NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat Sunday-Wednesday
Air conditioning for the next few days amid heat wave; NEXT Weather Alert for heat and humidity Air conditioning for the next few days amid heat wave; NEXT Weather Alert for heat and humidity Air conditioning for the next few days amid heat wave; NEXT Weather Alert for heat and humidity Our first heat wave of the year is here, with temperatures approaching the upper 90s Sunday and climbing as we head into the beginning of next week. Sunday, the heat reaches dangerous levels with highs in the upper 90s and overnight lows near 80. The feels-like heat index will range from 102 to 105. CBS News Philadelphia. This dangerous heat will continue through Wednesday with highs on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday either side of 100 degrees and heat indices that could feel as hot as 110. CBS News Philadelphia. At those temperatures, heatstroke and heat exhaustion are possible. The cumulative effect of the extreme heat over six days can lead to additional health problems. Temperatures will not cool overnight, providing no relief. Because of this dangerous heat, a NEXT Weather Alert is in place Sunday through Wednesday. CBS News Philadelphia. We will likely set some new record highs each day and new high-lows at night. No organized storms are headed our way, and it should be dry through next Thursday. However, because of the heat and humidity, there is a chance of pop-up storms each day. CBS News Philadelphia. Make sure to hydrate with nonalcoholic and non-sugary drinks. Spend time in the air conditioning and if overheated, try a cool shower. Never leave people or pets in a car; the heat builds quickly, and it can be deadly in minutes. Check on family and friends. Finally, keep pets indoors or in a shaded area with clean, cool water. Don't walk dogs on the hot pavement; their paws can burn. Air quality concerns The extreme heat is also bringing air quality concerns to the area. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Sunday. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also issued a Code Orange for Sunday for the southwestern region of New Jersey. Code Orange means sensitive members of the population should limit outdoor activity during the afternoon. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection also declared a Code Orange for Monday in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Norhampton and Berks counties. The DEP said particle pollution concentrations will average in the low-middle moderate range. Concerned about the air quality in your neighborhood? Check out to see how conditions are in your area. How to stay cool in Philadelphia The City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Health has declared a heat health emergency that will be in effect starting Sunday at noon and lasting until Wednesday at 8 p.m. The emergency could be extended if next week's forecast takes a turn for the worse and the heat wave continues. Due to the heat health emergency, the city has activated its emergency heat programs, including Philadelphia's Corporation for Aging's Heatline, cooling centers, home visits by special field teams and enhanced daytime outreach for those experiencing homelessness. A full list of cooling centers, spraygrounds and pools in Philadelphia is available online. For some context: Last year's first heatwave lasted from June 18 to 23, and the previous heatwave of 2024 occurred at the end of July. Both topped out at 98°. Our last 100°+ day? July 7th, 2012, when we hit 101°. And the longest heatwave on record? A whopping 12 days back in 1901, including two scorchers over 100°. Here's your 7-day forecast: CBS News Philadelphia. Sunday: NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat. High 97, Low 73 Monday: NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat. High 100, Low 78 Tuesday: NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat. High 101, Low 80 Wednesday: NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat. High 100, Low 81 Thursday: Scattered storms. High 93, Low 77 Friday: Few showers. High 82, Low 70 Saturday: Chance of storms. High 86, Low 69 NEXT Weather Radars Hourly Forecast
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Hot weather in Philadelphia will spark extreme heat warning Sunday-Wednesday as temperatures reach 100
Philadelphia region's first heat wave of the year has arrived. Here's what to know. Philadelphia region's first heat wave of the year has arrived. Here's what to know. Philadelphia region's first heat wave of the year has arrived. Here's what to know. Our first heat wave of the year is here in the Philadelphia area, and it will continue through Thursday with heat that will at times reach dangerous levels. As a reminder, three consecutive days at or above 90 is considered a heat wave. Highs Saturday will hover in the low 90s in the city. Plan on plenty of humidity with heat indices feeling like 95. Temperatures peak in the 80s at the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches. This heat is being felt across a large swath of the country and by Sunday, an estimated 140 million Americans will be under the highest level of extreme heat alerts. CBS News shared maps of the heat wave showing how forecast highs are tracking much higher than normal. Extreme heat warning in Philadelphia region Sunday-Wednesday The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for these counties in the Philadelphia region from 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Wednesday: Lancaster Berks Lehigh Northampton Bucks Montgomery Delaware Chester Philadelphia Gloucester Camden Burlington Mercer New Castle Sunday, the heat reaches dangerous levels with highs in the upper 90s and overnight lows near 80. The feels-like heat index will range from 102-105. Because of this dangerous heat, a NEXT Weather Alert is in place Sunday through Wednesday. This dangerous heat will continue through Wednesday with highs Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday either side of 100 degrees and heat indices that could feel as hot as 110. We also have a heat advisory in effect in these counties from 8 a.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday: Salem Cumberland Atlantic Cape May Kent Sussex It is likely we will set some new record highs each day and could have potentially record high low temperatures at night. No organized storms are headed our way, and it should be dry through next Thursday. However, there is a chance of pop-up storms each day simply because of the available energy with the heat and humidity. Staying safe and cool in dangerous heat At these triple-digit temperatures and feels-like temperatures, heatstroke and heat exhaustion are possible. The cumulative effect of the extreme heat over 6 days can lead to additional health problems. Temperatures will not cool much overnight, providing little relief. Make sure to hydrate with nonalcoholic and non-sugary drinks. Spend time in the air conditioning and if overheated, try a cool shower. Never leave people or pets in a car, the heat builds quickly, and it can be deadly in minutes. Check on family and friends. Finally, keep pets indoors or in a shaded area with clean, cool water. Don't walk dogs on the hot pavement, their paws can burn. For some context Last year's first heatwave ran from June 18 to 23, and the last one hit at the end of July. Both topped out at 98 degrees. CBS News Philadelphia. Our last 100 degree-plus day? July 7, 2012, when we hit 101 degrees. And the longest heatwave on record? A whopping 12 days back in 1901, including two scorchers over 100 degrees. Here's your 7-day Philadelphia weather forecast: Saturday: Heat wave begins. High 92 Sunday: Extreme heat moves in. High 98, Low 75 Monday: Potentially record-breaking heat. High 101, Low 80 Tuesday: Day 4 of heat wave. High 102, Low 81 Wednesday: High 100, Low 81 Thursday: Storms on potential last day of heat wave. HIgh 94, Low 77 Friday: Break from the heat. High 87, Low 70 NEXT Weather Radars Hourly Forecast
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
1st day of summer in NYC brings scorching temperatures. Here's what to expect this season.
Today marks the first full day of summer 2025 in New York City after the summer solstice occurred at 10:41 p.m. Friday. The hottest weather of the year is still to come, and we have a look at what to expect this season. "Heat Dome" could bring highs of 100 CBS News New York It's been a very slow start to the warm season across the northeastern United States, and Central Park has failed to hit 90 degrees so far. On average, the first 90-degree day in the park is May 28th. The first 90-degree day of the year is forecasted to occur on June 19th. However, even hotter days lie ahead. CBS News New York According to various forecast models, a formidable "Heat Dome" is expected to develop over the Eastern Seaboard this weekend, and NYC may hit the century mark on June 24. 100-degree days in NYC are actually quite rare, having only been recorded 60 times over 155 years of record keeping. If the city does, in fact, hit 100 degrees, it would be the first time since July 18, 2012. Hot and humid summer ahead As for the rest of the summer, all forecasts are calling for above average warmth nationwide. In our neck of the woods, that means there may be numerous days that exceed 85 degrees, which is the highest daily average high temperature throughout the summer. 85 degrees is the average high temperature from July 6 through August 5, making that the hottest period of the year, which also falls within what are referred to as the "Dog Days Of Summer." CBS News New York Along with above average temperatures, above average humidity is likely for this upcoming summer as well. This can be attributed to above average rainfall that fell across the Midwest and South this spring. The above average rainfall has left soils in those regions saturated, and that leads to higher rates of evapotranspiration - how water is transferred from the surface to the air - from surrounding vegetation, which in turn, leads to higher humidity levels. Since the Midwest and South are typical source regions of heat waves in the Tri-State Region, air flowing over them can pick up the excess levels of humidity and transfer them here. A well-known source region of high humidity, and usually the most prolific one in this part of the world, the Gulf, has water temperatures that are currently running above average. When air flows over that warm body of water and moves northward, oppressive levels of humidity, also known as "air, you can wear," can be anticipated. That scenario will only get enhanced this summer when the moist Gulf air moves over already moisture laden soils. With that said, air conditioners are likely to be heavily used in the coming months.
