Wildfire smoke in South Jersey set off carbon monoxide detectors, officials say - CBS Philadelphia

By Alexandra Simon, Raymond Strickland, Scott Jacobson

Updated on: November 10, 2024 / 7:10 PM EST / CBS Philadelphia

Police and fire officials in South Jersey warned residents that low-hanging smoke from recent wildfires set off carbon monoxide detectors in dozens of homes Sunday morning.

Evesham Fire-Rescue posted on Facebook that the department received more than 50 calls about carbon monoxide detectors going off by 6 a.m. The department said cold overnight air kept smoke from the Bethany Run Wildfire in Evesham Township close to the ground, and the wind pushed the smoke north toward Kings Grant, Barton Run and other nearby neighborhoods.

As of Friday, Nov. 8, the Bethany Run Wildfire had burned about 360 acres in size and was 90% contained. The fire also affected Voorhees Township in Camden County.

"Please be patient, turn your HEAT OFF, and please use good sense only calling 911 if you do not [feel] well. THIS IS A MESSAGE WE SHARE WITH GREAT CAUTION IN THIS UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCE," the department said in the post. "The morning sun will heat the air in the atmosphere, smoke will lift, and detectors should reset themselves. Be patient for a few hours and if you turn your heat back on, and your CO detector is still activated, call 911."

Residents in Glassboro, New Jersey reported similar issues. Gloucester County Emergency Management said smoke from the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area/Pheasant Run Wildfire has led to an influx of 911 calls over CO detectors and smoke alarm concerns. The Pheasant Run Wildfire first broke out Thursday and was 75% contained as of Friday night.

"Glassboro, Washington Twp. and Williamstown Fire Depts have answered an unprecedented amount of calls for service since mid morning. If you do not see active fire within your home, this wildfire smoke may likely be what is disrupting your morning."

People in the area are also being asked to keep doors and windows closed and keep pets and family members inside.

"I thought we were going to have to evacuate," Sara Dunn, a Washington Township resident, said. "It was that bad."

Dunn said the smoke gave her a headache and an asthma attack.

"We are closely monitoring the situation with NJ Forest Fire and local fire officials and remain hopeful for atmospheric and fire/smoke conditions to improve," the agency said. No evacuation orders are in place for the area.

Smoke from the lingering wildfires was also visible in Philadelphia. Cameras along Interstate 95 captured Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia blanketed in a haze Sunday morning, and a smoky smell was noticeable in the city.

In Camden, residents were alerted that they could continue to smell smoke as shifting conditions drove it toward the city, particularly from a large fire burning in Passaic County. "Based on that, know that the source of the forest fire is not threatening homes and that Camden County is not under any threat. We will continue to monitor this situation and update the public if more pertinent information is relayed back to us from our partners," Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young said in a statement.

Overnight, winds will push the smoke north of the I-95 corridor, and rain moving into the region Sunday night will also help get rid of wildfire smoke in the area.

Fire danger remains "extreme" across all of New Jersey as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and local first responders battle numerous fires. Stage 3 campfire restrictions are in effect, meaning all fires are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. Charcoal fires are not allowed.

On Saturday, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office charged a 37-year-old Brick Township man with arson in connection with the Jackson Township wildfire, also named the Shotgun Wildfire. According to prosecutors, investigators learned the fire started near the Central Jersey Rifle Range and was ignited by magnesium shards of a Dragon's Breath 12 gauge shotgun round.

Prosecutors said this type of this type of tracer ammunition or incendiary is prohibited in New Jersey.

Investigators linked Richard Shashaty to the incident and said he was allegedly responsible for firing the ammunition and igniting the fire.

The Shotgun Wildfire burned 350 acres in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area.

The NJFFS is also working to contain multiple fires in northern New Jersey, in Passaic and Bergen counties.

South Jersey is in the midst of a record dry streak with no measurable rain in weeks, but some precipitation was expected Sunday.

"The rain is a little too late right now, but better late than never, as they say," resident Ronnie Bouche said.

In Pennsylvania, residents in Reading were able to return to their homes Saturday after a fire broke out on Neversink Mountain in Berks County. The firefighting and mop-up operation from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forestry division will continue for several more days, Reading Mayor Eddie Morán said in a statement.

Alexandra Simon is a digital content producer at CBS Philadelphia. Alex started her career at CBS21 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before joining KARE 11 News in Minneapolis, where she covered breaking news, features and often cold weather.