The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert set to be in effect until 11 p.m. Friday. NJDEP says certain parts of the region - across Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Union and eastern Passaic counties - may approach unhealthy standards. A number of factors could contribute to this.

Officials say air pollution concentrations could become unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, people suffering from asthma heart disease or other lung diseases, and older senior citizens.

A wildfire continues to burn at Bass River State Forest in southern New Jersey. People have reported seeing and smelling smoke as it’s reached at least 5,000 acres. This may also cause some air quality issues.

RELATED: NJ’s largest wildfire in 2023 still burning Friday at Bass River State Forest

There are also currently wildfires in Nova Scotia in Canada that continue to burn. A code orange was issued Tuesday as flames have continued to burn roughly 600 miles from Newark. Many New Jersey residents have said that they can smell smoke and the skies look hazy. Luckily, Canada should see some relief throughout the day today as it's supposed to rain. This would also be better for New Jersey.

Officials have issued warnings for people to take precautions. They say consider staying indoors, limit outdoor physical activity, use respiratory protection appropriately and keep windows closed to help keep indoor air as clean as possible.