The Voice News: Massive wildfires raging across Canada are unleashing thick plumes of smoke that are drifting southward, severely impacting air quality in multiple regions of the United States. As a result, authorities in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Maine have issued air-quality alerts warning residents of health hazards caused by the deteriorating atmospheric conditions.
These alerts come amid Canada’s intensifying wildfire season, which has already forced the evacuation of at least 25,000 people across three provinces. The fires—fueled by both natural causes like lightning and human activity—have escalated rapidly due to dry weather and high winds, marking one of the most destructive starts to the wildfire season in recent years.
AirNow Map Shows Widespread Pollution
According to a real-time AirNow forecast map released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, large sections of the eastern seaboard, Midwest, and even southern U.S. states are experiencing moderate to unhealthy air quality levels. The map highlights dense concentrations of smoke and airborne particulate matter, elevating health risks for sensitive populations.
New York and New Jersey Urge Caution
In New York, the State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air-quality advisory from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday. Affected areas include parts of New York City and surrounding counties. Authorities advised residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, as well as young children and elderly individuals.
Neighboring New Jersey followed suit with a Code Orange alert, indicating that air pollution levels may pose a risk to vulnerable groups. The state’s Department of Environmental Protection cautioned that those with heart and lung diseases should stay indoors and minimize exposure.
Alerts Spread to Midwest and New England
Further west, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced a statewide air-quality alert, in effect from Tuesday through Thursday. Officials noted the likelihood of intermittent but heavy smoke blanketing various parts of the state, impacting both rural and urban areas.
In New Hampshire, the state declared an Air Quality Action Day on Tuesday, signaling elevated levels of ground-level ozone and particulates. Meanwhile, in Maine, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a warning from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday. Officials advised residents to remain alert to symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, or a tightness in the chest, all of which are signs to curtail outdoor activity.
Health Officials Recommend Vigilance
Health experts across all affected states are advising individuals—particularly those with pre-existing conditions—to monitor local air quality indexes (AQIs) and take protective measures such as:
Wearing N95 masks when outdoors
Running air purifiers indoors
Keeping windows and doors closed
Avoiding prolonged outdoor exertion
A Growing Pattern of Climate-Driven Disasters
This latest cross-border environmental event underscores the far-reaching impacts of climate change, as rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns contribute to more frequent and intense wildfires. With Canada’s wildfire season only just beginning, experts warn that more smoke-related health advisories across North America may be imminent in the weeks ahead.