### Brush Fires Ignite Overnight in Palisades, Send Smoke Into NYC

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. -- Two brush fires erupted overnight in the Palisades area, casting smoke across the Hudson River and into New York City. The fires triggered a massive response from firefighters who rushed to the site near Exit 1 on the Palisades Parkway, about one mile north of the George Washington Bridge. One northbound lane on the parkway has been shut, and the Henry Hudson River is also closed.

As of 7:30 a.m., the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Forest Fire Service reported via social media that the Englewood Cliffs fire is approximately 30% contained and spans about 19 acres. This steep, wooded terrain between the Palisades Parkway and the Hudson River features dense, dry brush and is hard to access. Fortunately, the river serves as a natural barrier, and there are few buildings in the vicinity. No structures are currently threatened, and evacuations have not been ordered.

Firefighting efforts include a helicopter capable of carrying up to 350 gallons of water, which has been deployed to douse the flames, while crews and fire engines battle the fire on the ground. Curious onlookers, like hiker Nancy McLaughlin, gathered at the Rockefeller Lookout to witness the scene unfold. McLaughlin expressed confidence in the firefighters' ability to contain the blaze, noting the lack of nearby homes at risk.

Across the Hudson in New York City, Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx woke up to the smell of smoke. A Spuyten Duyvil resident described how the smoke became so unbearable that her husband had to shut their windows at 3:30 a.m. By the time she checked outside around 6:45 a.m., the smoke was visibly thick. Video footage captured by Chopper 2 as the sun rose showed a white plume of smoke spreading over the river.

The city’s Office of Emergency Management informed residents via social media that the air quality index for the day is moderate, advising caution due to the smokey conditions. A Red Flag Warning has been issued from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., cautioning residents about the increased fire risk due to dry and windy conditions.

In recent days, firefighters in New Jersey have faced at least three other wildfires, including a significant one in Jackson Township that has burnt through 350 acres and is now around 80% contained. A Bronx resident emphasized the urgent need for rain to combat the dry conditions exacerbating the fires. The fire risk is expected to remain moderate-to-high through Saturday, with a potential decrease following anticipated rainfall on Sunday and Monday.

AAA provided safety tips for those who might encounter wildfires while driving, recommending that drivers keep calm, close windows, and treat the situation as if driving through dense fog. Drivers should also turn on their vehicle’s re-circulation button to help improve air quality inside the car. Additionally, it's essential to gently clean ash off vehicles with soft or microfiber cloths to avoid damaging surfaces.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge that firefighters and residents face in the region, underscoring the necessity for preparedness and safety in the face of natural threats.