Gov. Hochul: New Yorkers face 'new normal' over air quality concerns due to Canadian wildfires
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation are warning New Yorkers that the air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels in some parts of the state.
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There's an air quality alert in effect for Thursday statewide, prompting health officials to urge people with respiratory and cardiac problems to be cautious.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation are warning New Yorkers that the air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels in some parts of the state.
People with any kind of respiratory or cardiac conditions, the elderly and young children are all urged to be careful.
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Officials advise limiting outdoor activities and wearing a high-grade mask when stepping outside. If you don't have a proper mask, FDNY firehouses and NYPD precincts can provide you with one.
"The fires themselves are of course continuing to burn," said Basil Seggos, commissioner of the DEC. "The governor has announced that the DEC is sending over another crew to beat the fires up in Quebec."
Hochul says mobile alerts are on standby for New Yorkers to receive if the air quality index numbers reach 200 or higher. She says there may still be lingering smoke in the air on Friday, so she is encouraging people to check AirNow.
This is the third crew of forest rangers that are being deployed to help with the unprecedented wildfire season.
