Tag:

Air Quality

Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Driving into New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll be paying for it. New York City’s congestion pricing plan, set to begin on Friday, Jan. 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and fund crucial public transit upgrades.  Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll, with rates starting at $9 per day. The Federal Highway Administration approved the program last month. However, lawsuits could potentially stop the planned rollout. The toll is aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing traffic flow in the Central Business Distr…
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.  The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather. Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.  Resources deployed…
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms 'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms Residents across Gloucester County woke up to thick smoke from the 133-acre Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area last week, causing widespread smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to sound off early Friday morning, Nov. 8. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management warned that changing wind directions could further affect surrounding communities, including Glassboro, Washington Township, and Williamstown, where local fire departments have been fielding an “unprecedented” number of emergency calls. A TikTok video that shows smoke covering the area is title…
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford A sprawling wildfire, now covering 3,000 acres, continues to burn through West Milford Monday, Nov. 11, however, air quality levels across the region have improved. The Jennings Creek Wildfire threatens 24 structures across both New Jersey and New York, including two homes in New Jersey, eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, and 14 structures on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, NY, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained, prompting officials to close East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all tr…
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into NJ/NYC: How Bad Will It Be? Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into NJ/NYC: How Bad Will It Be?
Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into NJ/NYC: How Bad Will It Be? If things looks fuzzier than usual, it wasn't your eyes focusing to adjust this morning. That was wildfire smoke is drifting from Canada into the Northeast, the National Weather Service said Wednesday morning, Aug. 14. "You may notice hazy skies today," the NWS New York office said. "It is coming from wildfire smoke, which has overspread across the area from north to south." While the smoke is expected to "stick around" for the next several days, forecasters are not expecting harmful impacts to the air quality, the NWS said. You may notice hazy skies today. It is coming from wildfire …
Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead
Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead The July 4th weekend has arrived, but chances are the smell of smoke outside isn't coming from barbecues — and according to forecasters, there's even more ahead. The air quality on Saturday, July 1 was slightly better than it was earlier in the week, with AQIs average in the 120s and code orange and yellows issued — as opposed to purple and red — across the region. Slowly, slowly, the smoke was starting to disperse. However, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson is confident, it will be back. "I do believe this will go down as the summer of smoke and haze for much of Canada and …
Incoming Storm Means Slight Air Quality Improvement Along East Coast, Forecasters Say Incoming Storm Means Slight Air Quality Improvement Along East Coast, Forecasters Say
Incoming Storm Means Slight Air Quality Improvement Along East Coast, Forecasters Say A weekend storm could slightly help improve the Canadian wildfire smoke still lingering along the East Coast, meteorologists are saying. While skies will be sunny with a high in the mid-80s on Friday, June 30, they'll also be hazy for most of the day, according to the National Weather Service. The Air Quality Index remained in the triple digits along East Coast of 9:15 a.m., with code red issued across much of the area. In Pittsburgh, air quality levels remained very unhealthy, according to AccuWeather's Plume Labs. Worst air quality in this batch is just northwest of us and some spots…
These Maps Show Realtime Smoke, Air Quality As Canadian Wildfires Rage These Maps Show Realtime Smoke, Air Quality As Canadian Wildfires Rage
These Maps Show Realtime Smoke, Air Quality As Canadian Wildfires Rage Can't tell if it's smoke or cloudy skies above? The following realtime configurations and air quality maps won't have you guessing anymore. A realtime configuration from Fire Smoke Canada — the Canadian portal for information about wildland fire weather and smoke — shows exactly where each of the more than 150 wildfires are raging and predicts roughly how heavy the smoke will be and where. The New York Times, meanwhile, has a similar smoke forecast map that indicates light, medium, or high levels of smoke from the fires, based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rea…
Smoky Summer: Could Week Of Wildfires Be Preview Of What's Ahead? Smoky Summer: Could Week Of Wildfires Be Preview Of What's Ahead?
Smoky Summer: Could Week Of Wildfires Be Preview Of What's Ahead? Are this week's smoky skies a preview of Summer 2023 in the Northeast? According to U.S. National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey, that depends. Ramsey is quoted by CBS New York saying "it's really just going be all about the wind shift." According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson, the Canadian wildfires are showing no signs of slowing down and will "likely continue to burn over Quebec into the summer, as they are in remote, heavily wooded areas," he said. But, if what Ramsey is saying is true, then raging fires in Canada — and locally, for that matter — …
Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn
Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Widespread smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to bring hazardous air quality levels across the region. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of fine particulates again on Thursday, June 8, according to the National Weather Service.   Check air quality conditions in your area, visit AirNow.gov by clicking here. "The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern," said the weather service. ALSO SEE: Smoke Relief Coming Next Week, Unhealthy Air Quality Here To Stay (Mostl…
Smoke Relief Coming Next Week, Unhealthy Air Quality Here To Stay (Mostly) Until Then Smoke Relief Coming Next Week, Unhealthy Air Quality Here To Stay (Mostly) Until Then
Smoke Relief Coming Next Week, Unhealthy Air Quality Here To Stay (Mostly) Until Then Looks like the East Coast has a smoky few days in store. But fear not, relief is allegedly on the way. As of Thursday, June 8, levels in North Jersey were considered very unhealthy and in greater Philadelphia/the Lehigh Valley were considered hazardous. Levels in the Baltimore and Washington DC area were also considered very unhealthy as of Thursday morning. ALSO SEE: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Canadian wildfire smoke expends south Thursday and Friday.AccuWeather Smoke improvement forecast from AccuWeather.AccuWeather Areas around New Yor…
Here's When Air Quality Will Improve — But It's Going To Get Worse First, Forecasters Say Here's When Air Quality Will Improve — But It's Going To Get Worse First, Forecasters Say
Here's When Air Quality Will Improve — But It's Going To Get Worse First, Forecasters Say The air quality in the Northeast could get worse before it gets better, meteorologists say. A red air quality alert (unhealthy) was issued across New Jersey, with a purple issue (very unhealthy) in greater Philadelphia due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires being pushed into the area. The question on everyone's mind now: When will air quality improve? According to Weather.com, hopefully this weekend. The region is expected to see a change in weather pattern, which is expected to change the wind direction and push remaining smoke out. Air quality will be very poor today due to the s…
Air Quality Nears Danger Zone In North Jersey, Residents Urged To Stay Inside Air Quality Nears Danger Zone In North Jersey, Residents Urged To Stay Inside
Air Quality Nears Danger Zone In North Jersey, Residents Urged To Stay Inside A smokey haze from the Canadian wildfires is drifting into the Northeast, causing a severe dip in air quality. It's going to get better, but it's going to get worse first, meteorologists say. An orange air quality alert (unhealthy for sensitive groups) was issued across North Jersey on Tuesday, June 6. Air quality was yellow (moderate) in Central and South Jersey. According to the NJ Department of Environment Protection, people with heart or lung disease, the elderly and very young should limit strenuous activities and time outside. "Levels of fine particulates will rise into the unhealthy…
Brush Fire Progresses To 7-Alarm Blaze In Jersey City Brush Fire Progresses To 7-Alarm Blaze In Jersey City
Brush Fire Progresses To 7-Alarm Blaze In Jersey City Hundreds of firefighters descended on the scene of an out-of-control Jersey City blaze that started as a brush fire but spread across the Newark Bay-Hudson County Turnpike Extension and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Tuesday, April 11. The blaze at Garfield and Bayview Avenue had progressed to a widespread, 7-alarm blaze as of 4 p.m. Please be advised: There is a fire impacting the Turnpike area at Garfield and Bayview ave.Motorists diverted and urged to avoid NJ TPK area at Garfield and Bayview aves (Caven Point) due to 6-alarm brush/factory fire. Air quality is being monitored. pic.twitter.…
Firefighters Douse Lyndhurst Chemical Fire Firefighters Douse Lyndhurst Chemical Fire
Firefighters Douse Lyndhurst Chemical Fire A smoky Labor Day fire in a chemical processing machine at a Lyndhurst plant didn't create a potential health hazard, authorities said. Firefighters quickly doused the blaze, which broke out on the second floor of the Sika Corporation building on Polito Avenue down the road from Medieval Times shortly before 2:30 p.m. A faulty electrical component on processing equipment was the cause, authorities said. The first arriving companies "rapidly located the source of the fire in the smoke-filled area and averted a major incident from happening," Lyndhurst Fire Chief Louis Pipon said. Dry chem…
UPDATE: Massive Passaic Warehouse Blaze Stopped From Reaching 50 Tons Of Chlorine UPDATE: Massive Passaic Warehouse Blaze Stopped From Reaching 50 Tons Of Chlorine
Update: Massive Passaic Warehouse Blaze Stopped From Reaching 50 Tons Of Chlorine UPDATE: Authorities on Saturday said they'd finally gotten a massive industrial complex fire in Passaic under control nearly a dozen hours after it broke out. More than 200 firefighters fought the 11-alarm blaze, which forced evacuations of nearby homes, sent potentially dangerous smoke into the air and prompted officials to urge residents to keep their windows closed. The smoke reportedly was spotted on weather radar. Passaic Mayor Hector Carlos Lora called the fire “the worst that I’ve ever seen.” Fortunately, he said, firefighters were able to keep the flames from releasing toxic fume…
Machine Running In East Rutherford Chemical Plant Evacuation Sparks Fire, 2 Hospitalized Machine Running In East Rutherford Chemical Plant Evacuation Sparks Fire, 2 Hospitalized
Machine Running In East Rutherford Chemical Plant Evacuation Sparks Fire, 2 Hospitalized A machine left running while an East Rutherford plant was being evacuated for a chemical spill sparked a fire sending two people to the hospital with minor injuries Thursday, authorities said. A vapor cloud and fumes that people in the area said smelled like chlorine were reported at the Diamond Chemical Company around 1:30 p.m. Homes and businesses were evacuated in the area surrounding Diamond Chemical, located at the corner of East Union and Dubois Street. Shelters-in-place advised on the east side of Rutherford from Ridge Road to Meadow Road and in Lyndhurst east of Orient Wa…
Following 2nd Fire At Kearny Chlorine Plant, Sierra Club Calls For Investigation Following 2nd Fire At Kearny Chlorine Plant, Sierra Club Calls For Investigation
Following 2nd Fire At Kearny Chlorine Plant, Sierra Club Calls For Investigation A fire that broke out at a Kearny manufacturer of swimming pool chlorine in May proved unusually difficult to extinguish, repeatedly rekindling over the course of several hours after firefighters thought it had darkened down for good. On Wednesday, nearly two months after the fire had finally been put out, the Alden Leeds plant on Kearny’s industrial waterfront was burning once again. The more recent blaze was quickly put out and had not flared back to life as of Thursday afternoon, but the state’s leading environmental group says this second fire since May underscores the danger the pla…
Stubborn Kearny Chlorine Fire Under Control Stubborn Kearny Chlorine Fire Under Control
Stubborn Kearny Chlorine Fire Under Control Firefighters from New York, Jersey City, Newark and several other towns helped contain a blaze at a Kearny factory that went to four alarms and spewed a noxious plume of smoke across a broad swath of Hudson County.  The fire, at the Alden Leeds plant on Jacobus Avenue in industrial South Kearny, started at around 10 p.m. Friday and had climbed to four alarms by midnight before firefighters, including crews in fire boats, were able to bring the fire under control Saturday morning.  Alden Leeds manufactures pool cleaning products made of chlorine, complicating efforts to fight the f…
'Rotten Egg' Smell Continues To Plague Kearny Residents 'Rotten Egg' Smell Continues To Plague Kearny Residents
'Rotten Egg' Smell Continues To Plague Kearny Residents Residents in Kearny have complained for months about a strong, unpleasant smell occasionally wafting through the town, with the aroma more powerful on some days than others.  Saturday and Sunday seemed to be especially bad.  Over the weekend Kearny residents described a smell like rotten eggs that was so potent, it forced people to close their windows. One man said he noticed it in the morning when he left town Saturday, and still detected it when he returned that night. A woman said her dogs were sickened by the stench.   In a word, the smell is "toxic," yet another wo…