Smell from NJ brush fire carries to NYC
WASHINGTON, N.J. (AP) — The odor of smoke from a brush fire in southern New Jersey can be smelled as far away as New York City, some 90 miles away.
The fire has burned more than 1,500 acres, or about 2 square miles, along Batsto Road in Wharton State Forest. It was first spotted around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, when the humidity was unusually low.
Assistant Division Forest Fire Warden John Rieth says chilly air early Monday pushed the smoke down, so it could be smelled in areas far away from the fire, including in parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island.
The fire has not damaged any structures or caused any injuries.
Rieth says it was 50 percent contained and 30 percent controlled by 9 a.m. Monday.
