New Jersey Brush Fires: NJ Transit Resumes Service, Expect Significant Delays

Significant brush fires in Secaucus and Kearny temporarily shut down rail travel in the North Jersey region on Tuesday, but train service resumed before the evening rush hour, authorities announced.

"Following an earlier brush fire between Newark and New York, train service between [Newark Penn Station] and [New York Penn Station] has resumed with delays of up to 60 minutes," NJ Transit stated at 3:24 p.m.

"Amtrak Northeast Corridor service between New York Penn Station and Newark has been restored following an earlier brush fire near the tracks. Service has resumed but customers can expect some congestion-related delays as a result of the disruption," Amtrak stated.

NJ Transit officials issued an alert at 2 p.m., warning riders about suspended service:

“Due to a brush fire between Newark Penn Station and New York Penn station, train service between Newark and New York remains suspended. MidTown Direct rail service will be diverted to Hoboken beginning with train #6640. PATH is honoring NJ Transit tickets and passes at NWK Penn, Hoboken and 33rd Street in NY.”

Amtrak officials stated at 1:45 p.m. that firefighters were battling a large brush fire near the train tracks.

“Amtrak Northeast Corridor service is currently suspended between New York and New Jersey because of a large brush fire near the tracks,” officials stated. “West/Southbound trains are being held at New York Penn Station and East/Northbound trains at Newark Penn Station. Amtrak is coordinating with local authorities and will restore service as soon as it is safe to do so. Amtrak regrets any inconvenience.”

The Secaucus fire started near Secaucus Road and Penhorn Avenue around 12:30 p.m., NJ.com reported.

The Kearny fire - located off Harrison Avenue near I-280 and the New Jersey Turnpike – may have restarted and gone to a third alarm around 12:45 p.m., NJ.com stated.

According to a Kearny Fire Department social media post made around 12:15 p.m., units were sent to combat a brush fire on Harrison Avenue.

“Fire is on both sides of the highway,” the KFD stated.

Black smoke from the fires can seen for miles on Tuesday, eyewitnesses say.

Photo courtesy of the Kearny Fire Department

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