Smoke from Ocean County Wildfire Expected to Blanket Central Jersey by Wednesday Night

Thick smoke from the Ocean County wildfire is expected to drift into Central Jersey beginning Wednesday evening, according to recent weather model projections.

As of noon Wednesday, firefighters had managed to contain approximately 30% of the blaze, which has already scorched more than 11,000 acres across the Pine Barrens in southern Ocean County. The fire continues to generate significant amounts of smoke that could affect air quality and visibility in several counties.

Computer models suggest that southeastern and eastern Middlesex County will begin experiencing smoke by around 9 p.m., with visibility potentially dropping below one mile. By 10 p.m., smoke is forecast to reach the remainder of Middlesex County, as well as southeastern Somerset and southern Union counties.

The smoke will continue spreading, reaching the rest of Somerset and Union counties by 11 p.m. By midnight, it is expected to dissipate in southern Middlesex County while moving into Hunterdon County, north of Interstate 78. Overnight, smoke concentrations will likely be heaviest in the I-287 corridor in Middlesex County and areas north of I-78 in Somerset and Hunterdon.

By dawn on Thursday, smoke is forecast to extend to the Delaware River. While it is expected to begin clearing from Hunterdon and Somerset counties by 11 a.m., it may linger along the I-287 corridor in Middlesex and parts of Union County into the afternoon.

A broader clearing is expected by sunset Thursday, as winds shift to a southwesterly direction. This change is predicted to carry the remaining smoke offshore, depending on how quickly the fire is contained.

Officials continue to monitor wind conditions and containment efforts closely, as these factors will significantly influence the duration and severity of the smoke impact across the region.