Smoke and haze from large New Jersey wildfire clouds Sussex

Smoke from a significant wildfire burning in the Pine Barrens region of Ocean County, N.J., has begun to affect areas of southern Delaware.

The wildfire, which ignited earlier this week in the Forest Wildlife Area, has already consumed more than 13 square miles of land. As of the evening of April 22, New Jersey fire officials report that the blaze is approximately 10 percent contained. Due to shifting winds and the intensity of the fire, large columns of smoke have traveled southward, impacting visibility and atmospheric conditions in parts of Sussex County (DE). Residents and visitors may notice an unusual odor or haze during the next few days.

Sussex County Emergency Communications Division (9-1-1 Center) has received multiple calls from residents regarding the smoke and odor. Fire crews responding to these reports have confirmed the conditions are due to the ongoing wildfire in New Jersey.

At this time, there is no immediate threat to the safety of Sussex County residents or visitors. The Sussex County Department of Public Safety-Emergency Communications continues to closely monitor the situation. Residents are encouraged to remain indoors or limit outside activity if they are sensitive to smoke or poor air quality, and advised to only call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

For updates and more information, find Sussex County Department of Public Safety on Facebook at facebook.com/SussexCountyDPS.