Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Don't Worry Brooklyn, That Distant Smoke Is From A NJ Fire (And Under Control)
By
James Thilman
Published Apr 11, 2012
Modified Apr 11, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
James Thilman
Published Apr 11, 2012
Modified Apr 11, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
We've been getting worried emails from Brooklyn readers who are wondering if that giant black plume of smoke is coming from a catastrophic fire in Manhattan. Turns out that a major brush fire is raging in New Jersey just off the turnpike near MetLife Stadium. The three-alarm fire began around 1:15 p.m. according to officials and has sent smoke billowing high above the Manhattan skyline, making it visible all the way in Brooklyn and Queens.
Some minor traffic delays have been reported due to the thick, black smoke the fire is producing, but no the blaze is under control and no buildings have been damaged and no injuries reported. At least ten fire departments responded and are working to put out the blaze.
Dry conditions and strong winds are being blamed for the spate of fires that have broken out across the tri-state area in the past week. We'll update as more information becomes available.
Update: Officials have decided to close down part of the NJ Turnpike: The Star-Ledger reports, "Swampy terrain and tall grass make it too dangerous for crews to fight the 100-acre fire directly, said Kevin Drake, assistant division fire warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Drake said there is a concern that winds could fan the flames into a frenzy and quickly overtake fire crews. Dropping water on the fire from the air is not feasible because it would take too long for planes to fly back and forth from their home airfields."
Tagged
brush fire
meadowlands
new jersey
nj turnpike
James Thilman
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Plainclothes ICE agent with long gun looked like mass shooter, Mayor Mamdani says
The mayor said his administration would review ICE and NYPD actions surrounding Thursday’s shooting.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 11, 2026
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .