Nature: Smoke Concerns

Location: Sussex County

News from Sussex County: Smoke and haze from a large New Jersey wildfire impacting the county...

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 Tuesday evening, New Jersey fire officials report that the blaze is approximately 10 percent contained.

Due to shifting winds and the fire's intensity, large columns of smoke have traveled southward, affecting visibility and atmospheric conditions in parts of Sussex County. Residents and visitors may notice an unusual odor or haze during the next few days.

The Sussex County 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 health threat to people residing in or visiting the county. Still, residents are encouraged to remain indoors or limit their outside activity if they are sensitive to smoke or poor air quality, and are advised to call 9-1-1 only in the event of an emergency.

WBOC 16 Weather ...

A very hazy and smokey day for parts of Delmarva thanks to the wind from the northeast.

It is pulling in the smoke from the wild fires going on in Southern New Jersey.

The fire is only 10% contained and will be a problem for most of the day today.

- WBOC Chief Meteorologist Mike Lichniak