Garden State Times

The ongoing wildfires in South Jersey have impacted air quality in Camden County, according to Commissioner Jonathan Young. In a recent statement, Young noted that residents might notice smoke and ash due to several wildfires burning in the region.

"Throughout Camden County this morning residents may have woken up to the smell of smoke and seen small flickers of ash from the handful of wildfires currently burning throughout South Jersey," Young stated. The local Office of Emergency Management is actively monitoring these events alongside neighboring counties and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Efforts have been made to assist with firefighting operations, including deploying assets from the Department of Public Safety to help contain a wildfire on the Voorhees and Evesham border. This particular 360-acre fire was contained over the weekend. However, other fires continue to burn across the state, notably a 2,500-acre blaze in West Milford that remains uncontained.

Young emphasized that while these fires are not physically close to Camden County, wind conditions have carried smoke and ash into the area. "The state has been under a drought watch since Oct. 17 and we are currently in a historic period of time experiencing no rainfall since September," he explained. Rainfall expected soon could help disperse smoke and aid firefighting efforts.

Residents may continue to experience smoke depending on wind conditions but are reassured that there is no immediate threat to homes. Young advised those with respiratory issues to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed.

"We will continue to monitor this situation and update the public if more pertinent information is relayed back to us from our partners," he assured.