Tag:

Wildfires

Electricity, Gas Bills Surge Nationwide: Here's Why Electricity, Gas Bills Surge Nationwide: Here's Why
Electricity, Gas Bills Surge Nationwide: Here's Why If your latest utility bill made you do a double take, you are far from alone.  Across the country, Americans are seeing their electricity and natural gas costs soar, squeezing household budgets just as summer temperatures peak. Several key factors are fueling these price hikes.  Experts say the combination of increased energy demand, supply chain disruptions, and decades of underinvestment that have left the US grid with aging infrastructure are all contributing to the higher bills.  In addition, the growing need for power from AI-driven data centers, expanded oil and gas …
US Economy Shrinks, Private Jobs Report Disappoints As Trump's Tariffs Spark Financial Slump US Economy Shrinks, Private Jobs Report Disappoints As Trump's Tariffs Spark Financial Slump
US Economy Shrinks, Private Jobs Report Disappoints As Trump's Tariffs Spark Financial Slump The US economy shrank during President Donald Trump's first three months back in office, breaking a three-year growth streak as imports surged ahead of his trade wars. Real gross domestic product fell at an annual rate of 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on Wednesday, April 30. It marked the first quarter of negative growth since early 2022. The economic contraction is a dramatic drop from the 2.4% GDP growth the US experienced in the fourth quarter of 2024. The shrinking was largely due to a 41.3% spike in imports …
Wind Gusts Up To 40 MPH Arrive Amid Topsy-Turvy Weather Pattern: 5-Day Forecast Wind Gusts Up To 40 MPH Arrive Amid Topsy-Turvy Weather Pattern: 5-Day Forecast
Wind Gusts Up To 40 MPH Arrive Amid Topsy-Turvy Weather Pattern: 5-Day Forecast The passage of a strong cold front accompanied by severe thunderstorms has been followed by blustery conditions with strong winds. Widespread gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour on Sunday, April 27, will make it feel colder than temperatures that will be below seasonable averages, the National Weather Service says. "A changeable weather pattern will bring rounds of rain and temperature swings to the Northeast for the final days of April and the first few of May," according to AccuWeather. "The series of storms and cold fronts making for the topsy-turvy weather will not be equal opportunit…
Millions In CT Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why Millions In CT Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why
Millions In CT Breathing Unhealthy Air, New Study Warns: Here's Why Nearly half of all people in the United States, including millions across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, are breathing unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to a new study. The American Lung Association released its 2025 edition of the "State of the Air" report on Wednesday, April 23. The study, now in its 26th year, highlights troubling air quality trends in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The report found that 156 million people – about 46% of the U.S. population – are living in counties that earned failing grades f…
Air Quality Alert Issued For South Jersey After Wildfires Air Quality Alert Issued For South Jersey After Wildfires
Air Quality Alert Issued For South Jersey After Wildfires The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert on Wednesday, April 23, for parts of Southern New Jersey following the devastating wildfires in eastern Ocean County. The air quality alert was issued for Ocean-Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-Southeastern Burlington and includes the cities of Jackson, Hammonton, Cape May Court House, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Long Beach Island and Wharton State Forest. The massive wildfire has burned through 11,500 acres — threatening homes, destroying property, and leaving thousands without power as o…
NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service
NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service An otherwise idyllic spring day along the New Jersey coast was darkened by thick plumes of smoke as a massive wildfire scorched through 12,500 acres — threatening homes, destroying property, and leaving thousands without power Wednesday, April 23. 🚨 A massive wildfire, dubbed the Jones Road Wildfire, is tearing through 1,200 acres in Barnegat Township’s Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, Ocean County, NJ, as of April 22, 2025, with 0% containment. Mandatory evacuations are underway for Wells Mills Road from Bryant… pic.twitter.com/61nPv8YRcH — Laszlo Varga (@LaszloRealtor) April 2…
Major Wildfire Burns 2,300 Acres In Camden County, Forces Campground Evacuations Major Wildfire Burns 2,300 Acres In Camden County, Forces Campground Evacuations
Major Wildfire Burns 2,300 Acres In Camden County, Forces Campground Evacuations A major wildfire burning in Wharton State Forest has scorched more than 2,300 acres and forced campground evacuations in Waterford Township, Camden County, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of Sunday evening, March 23, the wildfire—named the California Branch Wildfire—was 80% contained, officials said. The fire is burning near Raritan Avenue and Old Atsion Road, and while 18 structures are close to the flames, crews say the fire is moving away from homes. The Goshen Pond Campground and Atsion Family Campground have both been evacuated, officials said. No residential structures ha…
10+ Acres Burned After Backhoe Fire Spreads In Clear Spring: Officials 10+ Acres Burned After Backhoe Fire Spreads In Clear Spring: Officials
10+ Acres Burned After Backhoe Fire Spreads In Clear Spring: Officials A fire sparked by a burning backhoe in Washington County tore through more than 10 acres of woodland, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage before firefighters could bring it under control, authorities said. Firefighters responded to the 11400 block of National Pike in Clear Spring around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, after flames spread from a backhoe to a nearby shed and then into the surrounding woods, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The property owner had started his 1982 Case 580 K Backhoe to let it warm up and left it idling while he went inside his ho…
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires 32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed. Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
Jennings Creek Fire In Warwick Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response Jennings Creek Fire In Warwick Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response
Jennings Creek Fire In Warwick Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response As the wildfires continue to burn across the state and in the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined the extensive efforts to combat them, highlighting the crucial roles played by local and national agencies in tackling the blazes. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Hochul provided an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in the state, prompting a robust response from more than 400 fire departments and over 1,300 personnel.  These teams have worked tirelessly to contain fires in Orange and Ulster counties, closely coordinating with local fire departments and first responders. Hochul said th…
'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ 'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ
'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ The Manasquan Reservoir, a crucial water source in Monmouth County, has dropped to historically low levels as New Jersey experiences wildfires and drastic drought conditions. The reservoir's water elevation was recorded at 91.27 feet above sea level on the morning of Monday, Nov. 18, according to Marc Brooks, executive director of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA). That measurement at the Howell Township reservoir was 11.73 feet below its full pool level. The reservoir was holding 2.3 billion gallons of water, which is just 49.35 percent of its 4.67-billion capacity. “This is a…
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As Ramapo HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As Ramapo HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As Ramapo HS Baseball Standout A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker who died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region will be honored at a memorial service in his hometown. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. Rockland County resident Dariel Vasquez, age 18, suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Par…
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Brush Fire Ravages 19 Acres On Palisades: Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Statewide Restrictions Brush Fire Ravages 19 Acres On Palisades: Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Statewide Restrictions
Brush Fire Ravages 19 Acres On Palisades: Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Statewide Restrictions Firefighters are battling a 19-acre brush fire that erupted Thursday night, Nov. 7, on the cliffs of the Palisades Interstate Park.  Visible from across the Hudson River, the blaze has turned the scenic cliffs into an intense battle zone, with flames licking at the steep, rocky terrain and sending plumes of smoke billowing into the evening sky. The fire, fueled by dry brush and challenging cliffside conditions, remains only 30% contained as of Friday morning, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Crews from Fort Lee, Englewood, Ridgefield, Leonia, Edgewater, and more have jo…
Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats
Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has implemented a statewide ban on open-air burning amid the "extremely dry conditions" that have plagued the region recently. According to officials, "extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future." It was enacted on Friday, Nov. 1.  The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide, they added. …
Arsonist Charged With Starting Lyndhurst Brush Fire During Critical Time Arsonist Charged With Starting Lyndhurst Brush Fire During Critical Time
Arsonist Charged With Starting Lyndhurst Brush Fire During Critical Time A 27-year-old man has been arrested on accusations he started a brush fire over the weekend while the state was under a Stage 3 fire restriction in Lyndhurst, police said. Officers were called to the 600 block of Fourth Street on reports of a small brush fire around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Lyndhurst Police Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. The fire had already been extinguished by a local resident, but a witness said he saw a man start the blaze before walking away, Auteri said. The witness provided a detailed description of the suspect, whom responding officers were able t…
Wildfire Breaks Out In Pemberton Township Amid Elevated Risk Across NJ Wildfire Breaks Out In Pemberton Township Amid Elevated Risk Across NJ
Wildfire Breaks Out In Pemberton Township Amid Elevated Risk Across NJ Firefighters were battling a second wildfire in Burlington County in less than a week, officials said. Crews responded to the "multi-acre" fire near Mary Ann Forge Road in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Pemberton Township on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the state Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) said in a Facebook post. Officials said the fire had consumed 35 acres but had been 60 percent contained. No evacuations have been issued, no buildings were threatened, and no roads were closed by the wildfire. "Breezy winds with occasional gusts near 20 mph, relative humidity values n…
Blue Supermoon: What You Need To Know About Rare Lunar Event Blue Supermoon: What You Need To Know About Rare Lunar Event
Blue Supermoon: What You Need To Know About Rare Lunar Event There's an out-of-this-world lunar event set to begin this week.  From Monday, Aug. 19, through Wednesday, Aug. 21, the moon will appear bigger and brighter in the night sky than normal. It's called the supermoon. It's the first one of the year, but that's not why this one is special.  A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and closest to Earth in its orbit, according to NASA. That closeness makes the rocky satellite appear 15 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter.  What makes August's supermoon so unique is that it's a blue moon. No, the light of the moon won't change co…
Passing Train Sparks 10-Mile Stretch Of Wildfires In South Jersey Town Passing Train Sparks 10-Mile Stretch Of Wildfires In South Jersey Town
Passing Train Sparks 10-Mile Stretch Of Wildfires In South Jersey Town Firefighters from multiple companies were working to contain a 10-mile stretch of wildfires in Camden County on Monday evening, April 15. More than 20 individual fires broke out across Winslow Township, spanning from Berlin-Cross Keys to Ancora State Hospital, the state's wildfire service said. The fires were all mostly contained as of 6 p.m. and were sparked by a passing train. Along with ground crews, the Forest Fire Service also responded with aviation assets including a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) that can drop up to 600 gallons of water at a time, and an observation helicopter. …
NJ Boosts Wildfire Budget Amid String Of Large Blazes, Long Season NJ Boosts Wildfire Budget Amid String Of Large Blazes, Long Season
NJ Boosts Wildfire Budget Amid String Of Large Blazes, Long Season An extra $3 million in state money will go to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service to assist in fighting wildfires, authorities said. New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, at a Thursday, Sept. 21 news conference, said funding for new firefighting equipment and staff is vital as climate change heightens and lengthens wildfire seasons in the Garden State. This year was among the busiest and longest wildfire season in a decade, state officials said. Forest Fire Service Administrator and Chief Greg McLaughlin said there is a high pr…
Police ID Pilot Killed In Crash That Sparked Jersey Shore Wildfire Police ID Pilot Killed In Crash That Sparked Jersey Shore Wildfire
Police ID Pilot Killed In Crash That Sparked Jersey Shore Wildfire The pilot killed in a plane crash near Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Township has been identified, authorities said. Oscar Molina, 61, of Long Brach was killed when his Cirrus SR20 crashed at about 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 near the Ocean County airpark, Lacey police said. He was the only person aboard the plane. Authorities discovered the crash while investigating what grew into an 831-acre wildfire that broke out in the area of Dover and West Lacey roads shortly before midnight Saturday, As firefighters responded to the blaze Sunday, the plane was found, Lacey police said. T…
Maui Wildfires: Union County Woman Rallies Around Friend Maui Wildfires: Union County Woman Rallies Around Friend
Maui Wildfires: Union County Woman Rallies Around Friend Loraine Anderson had to watch as wildfires tore through Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. The Berkeley Heights resident has created a fundraiser to assist one of her closest friends, Mokihana Gushi, who lives in Lahaina. As of Wednesday, August 16, more than $12,100 has been raised. It's been a while, Facebook! I am here to post on behalf of a cherished friend and her family who were unfortunately... Posted by Emily Van Norden on Friday, August 11, 2023 Anderson said she hopes the money raised will help her rebuild her life. To view the fundraiser, click here. 
Maui Wildfire: Essex County Native Helping Family Impacted Maui Wildfire: Essex County Native Helping Family Impacted
Maui Wildfire: Essex County Native Helping Family Impacted Nicole Conway's niece and her family were one of the many people impacted by the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. Conway, a Belleville resident, has created a fundraiser to assist her niece and several other family members who reside on the island. As of Tuesday, August 15, $525 has been raised. Conway said her entire family is safe but they lost their home and belongings and currently staying with someone else. "They currently don't have much cell service and need everything to restart their lives," Conway said.
Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead
Smoky Skies To Stay For Summer? Forecasters Say More Hazy Days Are Ahead The July 4th weekend has arrived, but chances are the smell of smoke outside isn't coming from barbecues — and according to forecasters, there's even more ahead. The air quality on Saturday, July 1 was slightly better than it was earlier in the week, with AQIs average in the 120s and code orange and yellows issued — as opposed to purple and red — across the region. Slowly, slowly, the smoke was starting to disperse. However, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson is confident, it will be back. "I do believe this will go down as the summer of smoke and haze for much of Canada and …
Stamford Delays Fireworks Display Due To Smoke From Wildfires Stamford Delays Fireworks Display Due To Smoke From Wildfires
Stamford Delays Fireworks Display Due To Smoke From Wildfires Due to poor air quality and visibility conditions from continuing wildfires in Canada, the city of Stamford will postpone its Independence Day firework display. The fireworks were set to be showcased on Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at Cummings Beach. “We want to host the best Independence Day fireworks show possible,” said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. “Because of air quality concerns, as well as the fact that the visibility of tonight’s show would be compromised, we’ve decided to take advantage of our negotiated rain date and postpone the fireworks until next week.” The fireworks will now…
246-Acre Wildfire Fully Contained In South Jersey 246-Acre Wildfire Fully Contained In South Jersey
246-Acre Wildfire Fully Contained In South Jersey A 246-acre wildfire in Burlington County is now fully contained, authorities said. The Acorn Hill Wildfire at the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest was 100 percent contained as of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety. 
200-Acre Wildfire Encroaches On NJ Campground, Hiking Trails Closed 200-Acre Wildfire Encroaches On NJ Campground, Hiking Trails Closed
200-Acre Wildfire Encroaches On NJ Campground, Hiking Trails Closed A 200-acre wildfire in Burlington County closed several hiking trails and encroached on campgrounds Monday evening, June 19. The Acron Hill Wildfire at the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest was 60 percent contained as of 6 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. Smoke was expected to hang low to the ground and reduce visibility during the overnight and early morning hours.  The following trails were closed: ROAD / TRAIL CLOSURES⚠️ Glassworks Trail (green)⚠️ Coopers Road⚠️ Several local state forest roadsSTRUCTURES THREATENED⚠️ Several structures in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest…
Wildfires Consume 1,550 Acres In South Jersey Wildfires Consume 1,550 Acres In South Jersey
Wildfires Consume 1,550 Acres In South Jersey Two wildfires consumed 1,550 acres in Burlington County but were fully contained, authorities said. At noon Monday, June 12, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service had reached 100 percent containment of a 700-acre wildfire in the area of Kettle Run Road, Evesham Township, Burlington County. That wildfire was called the Buzby Boggs Wildfire.. Over the course of the fire, four  structures were threatened. There was no damage to any of the structures. Also by noon on Monday, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service had reached 100 percent containment of a 850-acre wildfire in the area of Cit…
Unhealthy Air: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area Caused By Canadian Wildfires' Smoke Unhealthy Air: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area Caused By Canadian Wildfires' Smoke
Unhealthy Air: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area Caused By Canadian Wildfires' Smoke Widespread smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to bring hazardous air quality levels across the region. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of fine particulates again on Thursday, June 8, according to the National Weather Service.   "The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern," said the weather service. The check air quality conditions in your area, visit AirNow.gov by clicking here. More than 8 million acres of land has already burned in what already is Canada…
Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, DEEP Warns Of Health Hazards Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, DEEP Warns Of Health Hazards
Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, Deep Warns Of Health Hazards Connecticut officials have issued a new warn for residents to expect heavy smoke conditions as wildfires continue to burn in Canada. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials said the levels for Wednesday, June 7 have exceeded "unhealthy" for the entire state. That's especially worrisome for small children, people suffering from respiratory problems and the elderly, DEEP said.  Earlier report - Air Quality Alert: Widespread Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Lingers Throughout Region "When air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy, there is an increased …