A brush fire in Secaucus has caused major traffic delays for commuters on Thursday. The fire started near Mile Marker 111, close to the Alexander Hamilton Service Area near the N.J. Turnpike eastern spur near 16/18E. It is also affecting NJ Transit tracks. Firefighters are working to put out the fire, with equipment seen on both the Turnpike and train tracks.
As a result of the fire, traffic on the Turnpike has been reduced to one lane northbound. NJ Transit service to and from New York Penn Station has been suspended, with Midtown Direct service being diverted to Hoboken. Rail tickets and passes are being honored on buses and PATH trains at various stations.
Amtrak has also suspended Northeast Corridor service between New Haven and Philadelphia due to the fire, along with an overhead wire issue complicating matters. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it has occurred during a period of intense heat in the region. Smoke from the fire can be seen rising over 1,000 feet into the air.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. The situation is being closely monitored as firefighters continue to work on containing the fire.
