June 7, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Wildfire smoke continues to blanket the region causing unhealthy air and apocalyptic skies. Earlier this morning there was a light haze and by midafternoon heavier plumes of wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada decreased visability and created orange skies. Several schools reportedly held children indoors for recess and the New Jersey State Government closed early for the day due to the increasing smoke condition in the area. The public library in South Brunswick closed early due to the smoke.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has declared an Air Quality Action Day for Particulate Matter for Wednesday, June 7. Levels of fine particulates will rise into the unhealthy range for sensitive groups statewide today and potentially extend into the evening hours due to wildfire smoke transport from the Canadian wildfires. Governor Phil Murphy released the following statement in response to today’s air quality in New Jersey:
“My team is in close coordination with the State Department of Environmental Protection as we vigilantly monitor the effects of the Canadian wildfires on air quality in our state. As conditions worsen statewide, I strongly urge all sensitive individuals – including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and the young – to stay safe and limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors today. Make no mistake, from the wildfires in Canada to those cropping up with increasing frequency and severity in our own backyard, these extreme weather events are tangible – and devastating – evidence of the intensifying climate crisis. As the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service works tirelessly to protect our residents and properties across the state, we will continue to do our own part by pursuing the bold action our climate reality demands.” — Govenor Phil Murphy
ALERT – Township Offices CLOSED Thursday Due to the Hazardous Air Quality
All South Brunswick Township Offices will be closed on Thursday due to the poor air quality from the smoke in our region. The National Weather Service anticipates the air quality will be very poor due to the smoke and haze from wildfires in Canada. It is recommended that you limit time and any exertion outdoors.
CLOSED Thursday, June 8, 2023
- Township Municipal Building
- South Brunswick Municipal Court
- South Brunswick Senior Center
- South Brunswick Recreation Center’
- South Brunswick Library
The South Brunswick Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the ongoing situation with our county and state partners. Preliminary indications are that weather conditions will improve on Friday which will allow the smoke to clear our area.
I-195 in Robbinsville/Hamilton area at dusk.
The New Jersey Turnpike in the area of Mile Post 63 in Robbinsville, NJ just north of Exit 7A
Hamilton Marketplace
Route 33 in Robbinsville tonight at dusk.
South Brunswick Police reported:
We continue to monitor the impact of the Canadian wildfires on our community. We anticipate the smoke to impact us for the next day. Here are some safety guidelines –