Canadian wildfire smoke continues impacting air quality in NYC, New Jersey
Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued impacting air quality across New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut on Thursday.
An Air Quality Alert was first put in place Wednesday as a smoky haze enveloped parts of the region, and it continued through midnight Thursday as the air quality worsened even further.
"Stay indoors if you can. If you have to go out, drink plenty of water and mask up," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Conditions are expected to improve on Friday, though an Air Quality Alert remains in place for most of New Jersey.
NYC ramps up response to worsening air quality
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the air quality during a Thursday morning news conference.
"The state has forecast air quality in the unhealthy range for the New York City region, and I want to be clear about what that word means in this instance. At unhealthy levels, everyone -- not just people with asthma and heart conditions, not just older adults --everyone may feel health effects," Mamdani said.
"These are conditions that we know are also coming at the same time as a heat emergency for New Yorkers, so it is very important to stay up to date, to stay prepared, and to respond with your safety as the most important thing, because that is what it is for city government as well," he added.
The city's Department of Social Services activated a Code Grey and Code Red. Outreach teams distributed masks and connected homeless New Yorkers with air-conditioned spaces.
The Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans were also out to distribute essential supplies and check on older adults.
New York City Public Schools directed principals to limit outdoor activities. Schools rescheduled outdoor field trips and made sure air conditioning systems were working properly.
NYC Parks also cancelled many outdoor programs, including swim programs, and moved camp activities inside when possible.
Unhealthy conditions affect entire state
Officials from New York's emergency management department said the air quality was unhealthy for the majority of the state, prompting a statewide alert. They said it was especially unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Upper Hudson Valley and Adirondacks.
Children, older adults and those who are pregnant or have other medical conditions were advised to limit time outside.
"Know the warning signs: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and unusual fatigue. If symptoms are severe -- especially difficulty breathing or chest pain -- seek immediate medical attention or call 911," emergency officials stated.
Air quality concerns forced summer camps all over the Tri-State Area to move many activities indoors Thursday, and some fully outdoor programs had to cancel altogether. Camp directors across Long Island exchanged calls early to navigate the forecast.
Experts say triple-digit air quality index readings should prompt camps to consider bringing kids indoors.
"Children are more vulnerable to low air quality because their lungs are still developing. They have to breathe in more air to replenish their body and kids are likely to be more active outside," said Jase Bernhart, a professor of meteorology at Hofstra University.
Thursday's Mets-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park was rescheduled to start one hour early due to similar concerns about the air quality in Philadelphia.
Where to get masks
Health officials say a well-fitted mask can help reduce exposure to harmful smoke particles, which can cause shortness of breath, coughing or dizziness.
Affected people were urged to consider wearing a KN95 or N95 mask if they must be outside. Free masks are available at all NYPD precincts, along with public libraries and firehouses.
City officials said masks will be available at every New York Public Library branch.
Firehouses:
- 720 Melrose Ave. in the Bronx
- 2417 Webster Ave. in the Bronx
- 172 Tillary St. in Brooklyn
- 885 Howard Ave. in Brooklyn
- 100 Duane St. in Manhattan
- 207 West 77th St. in Manhattan
- 91-25 121st St. in Queens
- 108-01 Horace Harding Expressway in Queens
- 1850 Clove Road on Staten Island
According to Gov. Hochul's office, the MTA will distribute masks to commuters at Penn Station and Grand Central.
A map of distribution locations can be found at on.nyc.gov/freemask.
