Smoky Haze In Harford County Caused By NJ Wildfire: Officials

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Officials in Harford County have received multiple 911 calls Wednesday about a smoky haze and burning odor they say is coming from New Jersey. Residents in Baltimore and Cecil counties have also reportedly reached out to emergency officials about the situation.

"We are currently experiencing an odor of smoke and haze of smoke in Harford County and surrounding areas due to a wildfire in Camden County, NJ," the Harford County Department of Emergency Services said in a statement Wednesday night.

The wildfire was 95 percent contained, Harford County Emergency Manager Linda J. Ploener said in a voice message sent after 6 p.m. to county residents.

"The 911 center is receiving a high number of calls in reference to the smoke and/or haze at this time, and [we] are continuously assessing the situation," Ploener said.

According to Harford County emergency officials, the wildfire originated in the Winslow Wildlife Management Area in New Jersey. The location is about 100 miles from Bel Air.

Calls about the fire reached beyond Harford County.

After 6:30 p.m., the Baltimore County Fire Department reported its 911 center was also alerted to "heavy smoke conditions in the area" connected to the New Jersey fire.

The wildfire started before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and had burned more than 2,100 acres by Wednesday morning, according to NJ.com, which reported it was in a remote location and had not caused any injuries.

Firefighters in Harford County have been handling calls about the fire all day, according to Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association. The blaze had prompted multiple smoke investigations overnight, he reported after midnight.

Until the fire is out completely, people in the area may still smell smoke, according to Cecil County's Department of Emergency Services.

Harford County first responders said they were aware of the issue.

"There is no need to report this to the 911 center if you believe it is related to the NJ fire," the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association said in a statement Wednesday night. "As always, if you feel you have a true fire emergency or can see an active fire incident, please call 911."