Wildfire smoke prompts second air quality advisory in Westchester County

The Westchester County Health Department issued its second air quality advisory of the week, warning residents about hazardous conditions caused by ongoing wildfires in Canada.

Air quality across the county is expected to reach levels considered “unhealthy for everyone” Thursday. The health department is urging residents to limit time outdoors, keep windows closed and use air conditioning when possible. The advisory is in effect through midnight July 16.

The poor air quality is being caused by fine particulate matter from smoke produced by Canadian wildfires drifting into the region.

Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said in a social media video Wednesday that the town will continue monitoring the air quality index for summer camps, general resident safety and the upcoming outdoor movie night scheduled for Friday.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported 28 new fires Thursday and 859 active wildfires burning across Canada. Wildfire smoke will continue to reduce visibility and impact air quality through this evening, the U.S. National Weather Service said, adding that high temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s in some areas Thursday.

Looking ahead, showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has predicted the Air Quality Index (AQI) will exceed 150 points and could reach 200 in Westchester and the surrounding area due to smoke drifting in from the north. AQI health guidelines classify the 151-200 range as “Unhealthy,” and said that residents “may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

“This air quality poses a health risk to everyone, not just people with asthma or other underlying health conditions. We encourage all residents to limit their time outdoors, avoid strenuous physical activity, and keep windows and doors closed whenever possible,” Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said. “If you have air conditioning, use it to help reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Even healthy individuals may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or lungs, so taking these simple precautions can help protect your health until air quality improves.”