Red Flag Warning Declared as New Jersey Wildfire Rages On

On November 8, 2024, a wildfire broke out on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, severely affecting traffic on the Palisades Parkway. The blaze produces visible smoke and flames that can be seen from New York City, prompting emergency response efforts in Englewood Cliffs, near the George Washington Bridge. Firefighters have closed one lane of the northbound parkway, working to contain the fire in an area that features dense brush and limited access. The ongoing drought has contributed to the extreme fire conditions in the Garden State, which experienced its driest October on record. A red flag warning has been issued for much of the region until the evening, indicating heightened fire risks due to dry weather and wind. Multiple wildfires have recently been reported, with at least three other blazes being battled in New Jersey in recent days. Firefighting crews will reassess the situation once daylight arrives, with hopes for rain later in the weekend potentially alleviating the fire dangers.