Code Red Issued In NJ Over Air Quality, Latest Forecast For Clearing

NEW JERSEY — As air quality is listed as “unhealthy” in communities across New Jersey, officials have issued another “Code Red Air Quality Action Day” and are urging residents to limit their outdoor activities.

The “Code Red” affects Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties according to the National Weather Service. It lasts until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, and there will be a Code Orange Action Day on Friday.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued the Air Quality Action Day advisories as millions of acres burn in Canada and the smoke hangs over communities across the Garden State.

“All individuals should limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors, especially in the evening hours,” said state environmental officials.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he had spoken with Canadian officials, who reported more than 10 million acres burning as of Wednesday night. More than 200 separate fires are burning in the country, and 170 of them are considered “out of control,” Murphy conveyed.

The frequency, extent and severity of wildfires mark important indicators of climate change, environmental officials say. The peak of the nation's wildfire season is also occurring earlier — peaking in August from 1984-2001 and then in July from 2002-20, according to research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Climate change is here, and unfortunately that is our new reality,” Murphy said at a press conference Thursday.

The governor, speaking alongside state health and environmental officials, said NJ Transit officials will have masks available for customers at the following stations: Newark Penn, Atlantic City, Camden, Trenton, Secaucus, and Hoboken.

Related article— When Will The Smoke Clear In NJ? Latest Forecast For Thursday

Later Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels across the state are expected to be slightly better — but still unhealthy for people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens, said the weather service. The Garden State may not see the conditions clear completely until Friday or Saturday.

A “Code Orange Air Quality Action Day” will be in effect on Friday according to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly and those suffering from asthma or heart disease.

“The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors,” the National Weather Service said.

State air quality monitors registered "very unhealthy" air over 200 AQI Thursday morning in the areas of Old Bridge, Mendham, Northfield, and Hopewell, according to AirNow.gov. The rest of the state is still at an "unhealthy" level.

The frequency, extent and severity of wildfires mark important indicators of climate change, environmental officials say. The peak of the nation’s wildfire season is also occurring earlier — peaking in August from 1984-2001 and then in July from 2002-20, according to research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Patch’s Nicole Rosenthal contributed to this report.