JACKSON, N.J. — Smoke from the Shotgun wildfire kept close to the ground overnight, spurred by cold air and shifting winds, leading to a surge in carbon monoxide detector activations in homes across central New Jersey, officials said Sunday morning.
The smoke, which thickened due to stagnant air conditions, spread southward toward Toms River Road, Bowman Road, Lakehurst Avenue, and nearby areas, according to the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company #1. As a result, carbon monoxide alarms have been going off in homes, as smoke particles and carbon monoxide from wildfires can trigger these detectors, which are highly sensitive to both.
Cassville Volunteer Fire Company #1 reported responding to more than 50 calls related to carbon monoxide alarm activations since midnight. “We are aware of the issue,” the fire company said in a statement, advising residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary emergency calls unless they feel unwell or have specific concerns.
The dense smoke and its shifting paths are expected to remain a recurring issue until the region experiences significant rainfall, which could help disperse the smoke. Officials noted that whether residents are impacted will largely depend on wind direction in the coming days.