Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Health Alerts Across Hudson Valley

Canadian wildfire smoke reduces visibility in Ancram on Wednesday. *Patrick Grego/The New Pine Plains Herald*

As massive wildfires continue to burn across Canada, a plume of smoke blanketed much of the northeastern United States last week, pushing air quality to unhealthy levels across New York state.

The smoke settled across the Lower Hudson Valley on Monday, Aug. 3, where in Pine Plains, fine particulate concentrations reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 116 on Wednesday, according to AirNow.gov.

An air quality advisory was issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Aug. 3, and remained in effect through Wednesday, Aug. 6, after which pollutant levels dropped across the region.

The advisory, which covered every region in the state except Long Island, warned that air quality was “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with AQI levels ranging between 100 and 150. Those most vulnerable included children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with heart or lung disease.

New York officials issued a health advisory for much of the state Monday. Conditions have since improved, but officials urge residents to check air quality reports regularly. *Illustration Courtesy of the New York State Department of Enviornmental Conservation*

Since the advisory ended, air quality in Pine Plains has improved, with pollution levels remaining moderate, below an AQI of 100. The DEC describes this level as “acceptable,” though it notes that there may still be a risk for individuals very sensitive to air pollution.

Officials said the state has not seen a surge in asthma-related emergency room visits this week but cautioned that repeated exposure to particulate matter — known as PM2.5 — could have cumulative health impacts.

“Because these particles are very small, they can travel deep into our lungs,” said New York Health Commissioner James McDonald. “And it could cause irritation.”

Officials noted that as the climate warms and drought conditions increase, wildfire risk will continue to grow. In response, the state DEC has ramped up training for local firefighters and expanded its use of prescribed burns to help reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.

“We do have many fire-dependent ecosystems in New York state,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Having some sort of controlled burn can really help mitigate the risk of increased future burns… to ensure that there’s not a lot of fuel in the future.”

“The big message for New Yorkers is: Be air quality aware,” said McDonald. “You wake up in the morning, you might check the weather. Also check airnow.gov.”