Something Smells In Cherry Hill: 'Strong Odor' Caused By South Jersey Wildfire: Officials

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A large South Jersey wildfire has been largely contained. Its stench? Not so much.

Some of Cherry Hill's air has smelled different in recent days. That "strong odor" stems from the recent brush fire at Wharton State Forest, according to the township fire department.

The fire should not cause concern in Cherry Hill, officials said.

"Higher humidity and winds shifting has caused surrounding areas to smell like smoke as well," the Cherry Hill Fire Department said Thursday.

The Dragway Wildfire was discovered Sunday afternoon, burning around Jackson Road in Wharton State Forest and near the shuttered Atco Dragway in Waterford Township. The fire grew to 1,700 acres, with the containment area extending to Medford and Shamong in Burlington County.

Crews contained 95 percent of the wildfire as of 6 p.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported, and no structures were under threat, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Read more: South Jersey Wildfire Contained, Cause Under Investigation

Although the blaze has been largely contained, smoke may remain visible for an extended period of time as firefighters mop up the fire, the state forest fire service said.

Wildfire impacts in South Jersey have been prevalent during recent months. Significant fires have popped up in the region's woodlands since the spring, while smoke from eastern Canada's wildfires impacted South Jersey's air quality earlier this year.

Fire officials around the Garden State have warned residents of the increased potential for forest fires in 2023, as the lack of snow in South Jersey this winter has prevented pine needles and leaves from compacting. The result: this "ground fuel" may rapidly dry out on breezy or windy days that are at high risk for wildfire.

While 99 percent of wildfires in the state are attributed to human carelessness, accidents or arson, the riskier peak wildfire season may actually be extended due to changing climate patterns, state officials said.

“The continuing impacts of climate change mean our state is experiencing more severe weather conditions, storms, wind and drought that can result in a longer wildfire season, which is why it is more important than ever that the public exercise caution and take steps to help protect their homes and property,” New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette previously said in a statement. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”

Meanwhile, climate change made Quebec's fire season 50 percent more intense through the end of July, according to a recent report from World Weather Attribution, which calculates climate change's role in extreme-weather events.