'No rain': Wildfire burns along Palisades Parkway in New Jersey
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. (PIX11) – A wildfire is burning alongside the Palisades Interstate Parkway in New Jersey Friday morning as the Forest Fire Service works to tackle multiple blazes amid dangerous drought conditions.
Black smoke and ash could be seen as brush burned on the cliffs along the Hudson River in Englewood Cliffs. Fire crews are worried about it rapidly spreading as wind blows smoke across the Palisades Parkway, creating hazardous conditions for drivers.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to over 500 fires in October alone. Fires could easily spark due to dry conditions, winds, low humidity and warmer temperatures, officials said.
"No rain in October, no rain the first week in November. It's been very challenging, the fire burned a lot more deeper into the ground which is a problem with the guys because it takes a lot more work to mop up and get water down into the ground," said Deale Carey, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
The Shotgun Wildfire burned across more than 350 acres in Jackson Township, Ocean County on Thursday. It's 60% contained as of Friday morning and six homes near Six Flags Great Adventure were asked to evacuate for safety.
New Jersey issued a fire ban due to the dry brush, which includes no wood or charcoal fires and no kerosene on private or public property.
No injuries were reported in both fires. The causes of the Palisades Parkway wildfire and the Shotgun Wildfire are under investigation.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.