Pair of NJ brush fires darken skyline with heavy smoke; Train service resumes

KEARNY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two different brush fires sent thick plumes of dark smoke into the sky in New Jersey Tuesday afternoon -- even causing some issues with trains.

The fires started in Kearny and Secaucus sometime in the noon hour, and the smoke could be seen for miles.

Police say the fires were contained to a specific area and were under control as firefighters worked to extinguish hot spots. It's estimated that 150 acres burned in the fire.

Eyewitness News cameras captured video of the dark smoke:

The fire raged for nearly two hours, while drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike gaped as the flames roared across the Meadowlands brush. Firefighters struggled to reach the fire in the face of stiff winds that fanned the blaze.

Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli said there were not injuries, but putting out the fire was a challenge.

New Jersey Transit had diverted Midtown Direct trains to Hoboken, and Amtrak suspended Northeast Corridor service between New York and Newark. Rail service resumed, but customers were advised to expect residual delays of up to 30 minutes.

There was no damage to the tracks.

Eyewitness News viewers sent of photos of the smoke, as viewed from different parts of the region, including New York City:

This photo shows the intense flames from the fire:

The National Weather Service has issued a "red flag" warning, saying strong winds and dryness are creating ideal conditions for brush fires.