Over 10 million residents across NYC, Long Island, and surrounding counties have been urged to stay indoors.
The fire, believed to be started by a 19-year-old man who failed to extinguish a bonfire, forced 5,000 evacuations.
While no injuries have been reported, structures remain threatened as dry weather fuels the blaze.
Air Quality Index (AQI) levels may exceed 100, triggering symptoms like coughing, eye irritation, and shortness of breath. Officials urge limited outdoor activity until the fire is fully contained—possibly not until rain arrives this weekend.