Millions of Americans have been warned to stay in their homes as toxic chemicals flood the air in New York City.
This comes after smoke from a wildfire in New Jersey is moving towards the Big Apple earlier this week.
The fire burned over 15,000 acres, with toxic fumes now heading towards the major city.
The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health in New York has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter that, when inhaled, can cause severe health issues.
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Residents of NYC have been warned that fine particles of this smoke contains toxic chemicals that could increase the risk of cancer and dementia as well as worsen asthma and potentially lead to heart attacks.
An alert from the National Weather Service read: “When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.”
Sharing an update on the situation, New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Shawn LaTourette, said: “This is still a very active fire. As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”
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In a statement, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said: “At approximately 9:45am ET Tuesday (April 22), the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township.
“Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, which is on the east side of Jones Road.”
5,000 local residents were forced to evacuate the area and an investigation into the incident found that wooden pallets had been set on fire.
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19-year-old Joseph Kling has since been arrested and charged with arson.
The statement continued: “Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.”
According to Bill Donnelly, who is the chief of the forest fire service, New Jersey has already seen nearly double the amount of wildfires so far this year compared to the same timeframe last year.
So far in 2025, the state has experienced a whopping 662 fires that have burned through over 16,500 acres of land.