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Saturday, Jun 07, 2025
Outside the box.
Canadian Wildfires Trigger Air Quality Alerts Across Multiple US States
Smoke from extensive wildfires in Canada results in advisories affecting air quality in at least five US states.
Smoke emanating from numerous wildfires burning across Canada has led to the issuance of air quality alerts in several states across the United States, including areas along the eastern seaboard.
The wildfires, which are attributed to both human activity and natural causes, have intensified the country's annual wildfire season, with significant impacts observed regionally.
Recent developments indicate that at least 25,000 residents in three provinces in Canada have been forced to evacuate due to the rapid progression of these fires.
On Wednesday, the US Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow forecast revealed extensive regions of the eastern, midwestern, and southern United States experiencing moderate to unhealthy air quality levels, influenced by the presence of smoke and dust.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory valid from 11am to 11pm for multiple counties, including parts of New York City.
Officials have advised residents to consider limiting vigorous outdoor activities to mitigate potential health risks associated with the pollution.
Particularly vulnerable individuals include young children and those with existing respiratory conditions.
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection similarly announced a code orange air quality alert for various parts of the state, indicating that air quality could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide air quality alert on Tuesday, expected to remain in effect until Thursday, cautioning residents of intermittent thick smoke across the state.
New Hampshire has declared an air quality action day beginning Tuesday, while Maine's Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert effective from 11am Wednesday through to 11pm Thursday.
Residents were informed that while outdoor activities are generally permissible, they should monitor for symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, or chest discomfort, which may necessitate a reduction in outdoor exposure.
The wildfires, which are attributed to both human activity and natural causes, have intensified the country's annual wildfire season, with significant impacts observed regionally.
Recent developments indicate that at least 25,000 residents in three provinces in Canada have been forced to evacuate due to the rapid progression of these fires.
On Wednesday, the US Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow forecast revealed extensive regions of the eastern, midwestern, and southern United States experiencing moderate to unhealthy air quality levels, influenced by the presence of smoke and dust.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory valid from 11am to 11pm for multiple counties, including parts of New York City.
Officials have advised residents to consider limiting vigorous outdoor activities to mitigate potential health risks associated with the pollution.
Particularly vulnerable individuals include young children and those with existing respiratory conditions.
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection similarly announced a code orange air quality alert for various parts of the state, indicating that air quality could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide air quality alert on Tuesday, expected to remain in effect until Thursday, cautioning residents of intermittent thick smoke across the state.
New Hampshire has declared an air quality action day beginning Tuesday, while Maine's Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert effective from 11am Wednesday through to 11pm Thursday.
Residents were informed that while outdoor activities are generally permissible, they should monitor for symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, or chest discomfort, which may necessitate a reduction in outdoor exposure.