Smoke from Jennings Creek wildfire continues to pose health risks

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- The Jennings Creek wildfire is 30% contained as of Tuesday night.

The effects are being felt even far away from where it started with heavy smoke impacting the air quality.

Medical experts advise that in situations like this, being cautious is critical, especially if you have any issues with your lungs.

Miles away from the border of New York and New where the Jennings Creek wildfire continues to burn.

“The air is contamination,” said Hoboken resident, Hector Lopez, who is taking no chances when it comes to protecting his lungs. For the last couple of days, he’s been wearing a mask while commuting to and from work.

“It is very strong, very heavy the smell. That is the problem,” added Lopez.

Earlier on Tuesday, helicopters were dumping water into the burning woods in an ongoing effort to extinguish the fire which has consumed about 5-thousand acres.

“A burning inferno. I never saw anything like that in my life,” said Doug Berrian a Hewitt, New Jersey resident.

 And as the smoke reaches beyond the origin of the fire.

“I’m from Wayne, I go to Stevens, you can smell it inside the house even though it was definitely pretty bad,” said Maya.

Medical experts provide warning signs of someone possibly being affected by bad air quality.

“Some of the earlier signs, almost like allergic-type symptoms where you have itchy, dry, eyes. A little bit irritating, slight dry cough back in your throat. At times many a feeling a little bit lightheaded,” stated Dr. Eric Constanzo, Director of Intensive Care at Hackensack Merian Jersey Shore University Center.

Back in Hoboken, the United soccer league was practicing Tuesday night.

“Last week, we canceled the game because of air quality. Because of the fire in New York. Their safety first,” said referee Abdellah.

 They are on top of the Jennings Creek wildfire progress and its impact on air quality.  

“The air quality when is like that, the kids cannot breathe, they run but then their lungs are open and is not good for them but right now it is clear and it’s better,” added Abdellah.