Firefighters are currently responding to what they say is a five-alarm brush fire on Staten Island.
The brush fire broke out at the Fresh Kills landfill and is causing a traffic nightmare on the island, as traffic is backed up on both the West Shore Expressway. Drivers should expect heavy traffic delays throughout the evening along the entire West Shore Expressway, from Brooklyn to New Jersey, said officials.
One driver reported that the flames jumped across the highway, according to the Staten Island Advance. Another driver reported not being able to see more than 20 feet in front of his car.
Today’s high winds — up to 40 miles per hour — are making the fire even more dangerous, according to reports.
The fire is mostly contained to the unused Fresh Kills landfill and, at the moment, no homes are threatened.
The windy conditions and the low humidity made the National Weather Service issue a Red Flag Warning today, warning about brush fires.
There are also brush fires in Long Island and in southern New Jersey.
