SECAUCUS, NJ – A wildfire in Secaucus is causing problems for commuters on Thursday.
The fire broke out around Mile Marker 111, near the Alexander Hamilton Service Area, not far from the eastern spur of the NJ Turnpike near 16/18E. The fire is also located next to the NJ Transit tracks. Secaucus police said the fire was in the swamp area.
Firefighting equipment could be seen on both the Turnpike and train tracks as firefighters attempted to hose down the blaze.
It’s all causing problems for the commuters in the area. Traffic on the toll road has been reduced to one lane northbound. NJ Transit service to and from New York Penn Station was suspended as a result of the fire.
NJ Transit says it is diverting Midtown Direct service to Hoboken due to the fire. NJ Transit train tickets and passes are cross-checked on buses and PATH trains at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd Street.
Amtrak has suspended Northeast Corridor service between New Haven and Philadelphia because of the fire. A problem with the overhead line also complicated the problems.
So far nothing is known about the cause of the fire, but it is the way our region is coping with a prolonged period of sweltering heat.
Smoke from the fire could rise more than 1,000 feet into the air.
Check back soon for more on this developing story.
