Biden urged to declare climate emergency as millions under heat wave warnings and air quality alerts — live

Smoke from more than 450 wildfires burning in Canada caused “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” air quality conditions in parts of the Midwestern United States this week as the South faces heat wave warnings.

The heavy smoke cast a greyish haze over Chicago on Tuesday, causing the city to have the worst air quality in the world. Public health officials recommended residents limit their time outside and take precautions before venturing out, including masking.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania issued a “code red” for western parts of the state as the smoke began to move east.

Residents of New York City and other East Coast cities were warned of potentially worsening air quality conditions throughout the week.

Governor Kathy Hochul asked New Yorkers to check their air quality conditions before going outside. Mayor Eric Adams recommended people bring a mask with them as a precaution.

Canada is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record. More than 250 wildfires are considered “out of control” with more popping up each day, in part, due to dry heat conditions.

Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to approach or surpass 100 degrees from New Mexico to Mississippi.

Key Points

• What is the air quality index (AQI)?

• Map shows where air quality conditions are unhealthy

• ‘Code red’ declared in western Pennsylvania due to air quality

• What started the Canadian wildfires?

• Parts of the US facing intense heatwaves

The wildfires burning in Canada right now

07:00 , Ariana Baio

There have been 2,982 fires so far this year in Canada, destroying more than 30,000 square miles - an area twice the size of Switzerland.

The fires caused air quality to plummet across large parts of the US and Canada this week.

Air quality ranged from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” in the Midwest with Chicago ranking number one in worst air quality in the world on Tuesday.

By Wednesday, winds were pushing the smoke towards the east coast with New York City expected to be most severely impacted on Thursday.

So far, the smoke is yet to reach levels seen earlier this month when plumes darkened skies and made it difficult to breathe in at least 20 states and large parts of Canada.

Hundreds of wildfires are burning across the breadth of Canada this week as air quality plummeted.

The Independent reports:

Where are wildfires burning in Canada right now?

National Weather Service issues heat warning for southern states

06:00 , Ariana Baio

New York set to be hit with dire air quality again as Canadian wildfire smoke rages on

05:00 , Ariana Baio

The air quality in New York is set to “deteriorate very quickly” over the next 48 hours as smoke from the Canadian wildfires shifts over the state.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents that air quality could reach “unhealthy” levels in some parts of the state on Wednesday.

Gov. Hochul advised high-risk groups – children, senior citizens, pregnant women, elderly persons, or people with respiratory disorders – to remain indoors as the smoke descends on New York.

“We’re also giving alerts to people about outdoor workers, making sure supervisors know it is not recommended unless people are wearing masks,” she said.

Maanya Sachdeva reports:

Canada wildfires set to cause ‘unhealthy’ air quality levels in New York again

The predicted smoke forecast for Thursday, 28 June

04:00 , Ariana Baio

Airnow.gov has released a map showing the predicted smoke forecast for Thursday, 28 June.

Wind patterns could change the direction of the smoke.

Voices: Welcome to the apocalyptic haze of the new abnormal. There is nowhere left to hide

03:00 , Ariana Baio

Voices: “We know that a hotter climate has increased fire weather – hotter, drier conditions that lead to larger, more intense wildfires. But there’s another more subtle and specific way that human-caused warming is implicated in the current Canadian fires.”

“There’s an extreme, slow, wavy jet stream pattern now over North America, leading to an extended period of unusually dry weather over parts of Ontario and Quebec, which has favored the development of these wildfires. This wavy pattern dips far north and south, meandering like a river, with a huge dip from eastern Canada down into the eastern United States.”

“This stuck jet stream pattern is responsible for both the dry conditions in eastern Canada and the wind patterns that are transporting the wildfire smoke toward us in the United States.”

Susan Joy Hassol and Michael E Mann write:

Welcome to the apocalyptic haze of the new abnormal | Michael E. Mann

National Weather Service estimates smoke will move east

02:30 , Ariana Baio

Climate protestors call on Biden to ‘end fossil fuels'

01:30 , Ariana Baio

Climate Defiance, a climate protesting group, held signs up for President Joe Biden as he arrived in Chicago to give a speech on economics.

“Braving air we cannot breathe, we displayed our banner for him. It reads: ‘Biden: End Fossil Fuels’,” Climate Defiance wrote on Twitter.

Wildfire smoke from Canada might be a problem ‘all summer’

01:00 , Ariana Baio

As the number of wildfires continues to grow across Canada, public officials are warning that raging infernos and smoke could be a problem “all summer”.

Three new fires ignited on Monday bringing the total to 447 active blazes, with almost half burning out of control. Nearly 19,000 square miles have burned across Canada this year so far.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes including large numbers in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. Hundreds of firefighters have arrived from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the US, South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica and France to assist the exhausted Canadian crews.

Louise Boyle reports:

Wildfire smoke from Canada might be a problem ‘all summer’

ER visits spike in Texas as 13 people die in US South from extreme heat

Thursday 29 June 2023 00:30 , Ariana Baio

Nearly 60 million people were under heat alerts in the United States on Wednesday as “dangerous” temperatures continued to grip southern states and parts of Mexico.

The relentless, triple-digit heatwave – exacerbated by the climate crisis – has entered its third week. The severe conditions have caused 13 deaths in Texas and led to a spike in emergency room attendance across the state.

From 18-24 June, Texas averaged 837 heat-related ER visits per 100,000 – up from 639 visits per 100,000 over the same time period in 2022, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of ER visits is likely to be higher as not all medical centers are counted in state data.

Paramedics have responded to more than 100 heat-related incidents in the past two weeks in Austin, city officials said, more than half the city’s heat-related 911 calls since April.

Man and teenage stepson die on hike in Texas national park in 119F heat

Thursday 29 June 2023 00:00 , Ariana Baio

A man and his teenage stepson have died while hiking in a Texas national park as extreme heat grips the state.

The pair, who were visiting from Florida but have not been identified, were hiking on a rugged trail in Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas on Friday as temperatures reached 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48 Celsius).

They were with the boy’s older brother who attempted to carry his 14-year-old sibling back to the trailhead after he collapsed and lost consciousness.

Their 31-year-old stepfather hiked back to their vehicle to get help.

Big Bend National Park’s Communications Center received an emergency call at 6pm. A team of park rangers and US Border Patrol agents reached the scene at 7.30pm “and located the young victim deceased along the trail,” according to a statement.

Alex Woodward reports:

Man and teenage stepson die on hike in Texas national park in 119F heat

US postal worker collapses and dies on the job during extreme heat in Dallas

Wednesday 28 June 2023 23:30 , Ariana Baio

A postal worker has collapsed and died while delivering mail in Dallas, Texas, during an extreme heatwave, according to the US Postal Service (USPS).

Eugene Gates Jr, 66, was going door-to-door on his route on Tuesday when the heat index reached 115 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in the city. He collapsed in a front yard, where he was found by a homeowner who attempted CPR.

Mr Gates Jr’s cause of death has not been determined. On Tuesday, an excessive heat warning was issued for Dallas-Fort Worth region by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Texas, and other southern states, are experiencing a severe heatwave this week with temperatures soaring into the triple digits and breaking records in places.

Graig Graziosi and Louise Boyle reports:

US postal worker collapses and dies on the job during extreme heat in Dallas

Air quality index as of Wednesday evening

Wednesday 28 June 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

As winds blow the smoke lingering over the Midwest east and north, the air quality index (AQI) in several cities declined over Wednesday.

Chicago- 217, Very unhealthy

Cleveland - 236, Very unhealthy

Pittsburgh - 180, Unhealthy

Philadelphia - 142, Unhealthy for sensitive groups

New York - 64, Moderate

Buffalo - 189, Unhealthy

In photos: Texans find ways to cool off

Wednesday 28 June 2023 22:30 , Ariana Baio

New York City distributing masks

Wednesday 28 June 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

In preparation for the smoky conditions expected to hit New York City after Wednesday, several city departments will be handing out masks.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Port Authority, Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation are distributing masks to commuters.

Pittsburgh Pirates will still play despite air quality

Wednesday 28 June 2023 21:30 , Ariana Baio

The Major League Baseball (MLB) team the Pittsburgh Pirates said they would still play the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night despite the AQI reaching an “unhealthy level.”

“We are currently planning to host tonight’s game as scheduled. We will continue to closely monitor the air quality index levels around the ballpark,” the Pittsburgh Pirates wrote in a statement.

The team said they were in contact with the MLB as well as a team of medical providers to seek advice regarding the AQI.

The city was hit with smoke on Wednesday from the wildfires in Canada causing hazy conditions and potentially hazardous breathing air.

Philadelphia declares ‘code red'

Wednesday 28 June 2023 21:15 , Ariana Baio

As smoke from the wildfires in Canada begins to move east, cities along the East Coast are preparing for another poor air quality day.

Philadelphia declared Wednesday a “code red” day as the air quality hit “unhealthy” levels in the afternoon.

Philadelphia Public Health asked residents to take precautions like avoiding spending time outside, wearing a mask when outdoors, paying attention to any symptoms associated with difficult breathing and more.

Where are wildfires burning in Canada right now?

Wednesday 28 June 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio

Air quality has plummeted again this week across large parts of the United States and Canada as hundreds of wildfires rage out of control north of the border.

There are 480 fires burning throughout the country, according to the Canadian Interagency Fire Center, with one new fire igniting on Wednesday.

Some 237 fires are burning out-of-control and impacting provinces and territories from coast to coast. The blazes are impacting 10 provinces, two territories and national parks.

Ariana Baio and Louise Boyle report:

Where are wildfires burning in Canada right now?

Climate protesters call on Biden to ‘declare a climate emergency’

Wednesday 28 June 2023 20:24 , Ariana Baio

As President Joe Biden arrived at the JW Marriott in Chicago on Wednesday, protestors outside of the building called on the president to declare a climate emergency, according to a report from the White House reporting pool.

“As pool entered, we could hear chants and see signs of protesters demanding that Biden declare a climate emergency,” the report said.

Chicago experienced the worst air quality in the world on Tuesday due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

As parts of the Midwest grappled with the air conditions, millions of Americans in the South are experiencing dangerous heat waves.

Cleveland cancels all events due to poor air quality

Wednesday 28 June 2023 20:15 , Ariana Baio

The city of Cleveland cancelled all outdoor events on Wednesday due to the poor air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada.

By 3pm EDT on Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI) had reached 245 which is considered “very unhealthy”.

Mayor Justin Bibb posted on Instagram telling locals to be careful when going outdoors.

“Especially those with heart and breathing issues,” Mr Bibb wrote.

Surface smoke from Canadian wildfires expected to move east

Wednesday 28 June 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

A map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed the expected path of the surface smoke from the Canadian wildfires moving away from Chicago and the Midwest and toward Pennsylvania and New York.

Upper New York cities like Buffalo and Rochester may face poor air quality conditions in the coming days as the map shows the smoke moving east and north.

However, wind patterns can change the direction of the wildfire smoke.

Texas grid expects record power use as brutal heat continues

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:45 , Ariana Baio

The Texas grid operator was expecting to hit record electricity use on Wednesday as the state battles prolonged, brutal heat.

The heatwave is expected to persist across much of Texas along with eastern and southern parts of New Mexico possibly into next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Houston, the state’s largest city, will reach 99 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on Wednesday – six degrees hotter than normal for this time of year, forecasters said.

In south and west Texas, temperatures soared into the triple digits. San Angelo hit an all-time high of 114F on Tuesday, NWS reported.

Louise Boyle reports:

Texas grid expects record power use as brutal heat continues

What is a heat dome? Scorching temperatures in Texas are expected to spread

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:30 , Ariana Baio

Scorching temperatures brought on by a “heat dome” have taxed the Texas power grid and threaten to bring record highs to the state before they are expected to expand during the coming week, putting even more people at risk.

“Going forward, that heat is going to expand ... north to Kansas City and the entire state of Oklahoma, into the Mississippi Valley ... to the far western Florida Panhandle and parts of western Alabama,” while remaining over Texas, said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service.

Record high temperatures around 110° F (43° C) are forecast in parts of western Texas on Monday and relief is not expected before the Fourth of July holiday, Mr Oravec said.

A heat dome occurs when stationary high pressure with warm air combines with warmer than usual air in the Gulf of Mexico and heat from the sun that is nearly directly overhead, Texas State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said.

“By the time we get into the middle of summer, it’s hard to get the hot air aloft,” Mr Nielsen-Gammon, a professor at Texas A&M’s College of Atmospheric Sciences said. “If it’s going to happen, this is the time of year it will.”

Joe Biden arrives in Chicago to smoky conditions

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:15 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden arrived at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday afternoon to hazy conditions due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

Photos of Mr Biden showed him departing from Air Force One with the blurry Chicago skyline in the background.

Mr Biden was speaking in Chicago about his economic plan.

Smoke expected to move south and east

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:00 , Ariana Baio

The smoke lingering over the Midwestern part of the US is expected to move south and east in the coming days.

Residents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York have been warned of worsening air quality conditions.

What is the heat index and why does it matter?

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:40 , Ariana Baio

The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings in parts of the Southern United States, claiming the heat index can reach past 110°F (46°C).

Though the actual temperature may be in the 90 - 100 degree range, the humidity of the air contributes to how hot it may feel to humans – this is known as the heat index.

“The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature,” the National Weather Service says.

This is important because when the human body is hot it sweats as a way to cool off. But if it’s too humid for sweat to evaporate then the body cannot regulate temperature well.

The higher the index the more likely or experiencing a heat disorder like heat stroke.

Where are the wildfires burning in Canada?

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:20 , Ariana Baio

There are 480 wildfires currently burning in all 13 provinces and territories in Canada, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. 

Nearly half of the wildfires are considered “out of control”.

Most of the fires are in the provinces of Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta.

What wildfire smoke does to your health – and what you can do about it

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:00 , Ariana Baio

Wildfire smoke darkened skies and made it difficult to breathe in at least 20 states across America and large parts of Canada last week.

And it’s far from over: Canadian officials warned that this could be the country’s worst wildfire season on record and smoke would be a problem “all summer”.

Louise Boyle reports:

What wildfire smoke does to your health – and what you can do about it

Parts of the US facing intense heatwaves

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:45 , Ariana Baio

In addition to the smoky conditions facing people living in the Midwest and Northeast, millions of Americans living in the South and Southwest are heat wave warnings.

Temperatures are expected to reach 100°F or slightly below in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee are under an excessive heat warning.

Dangerously hot conditions with a heat index up to 116°F are expected in some parts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) recommended people drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and wear lightweight and loose clothing.

Other states, including, Florida, Missouri, Kansas and New Mexico, have heat advisories in place.

What is the air quality index (AQI)?

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:30 , Ariana Baio

The air quality index (AQI) was established by the Environmental Protection Agency as a way of measuring the density of pollutants in the air to determine how healthy or unhealthy the air quality is for people.

The AQI scale runs from 0 to 500 and uses colors to correspond to the range the air quality is in.

Air quality alerts are typically administered if the number reaches over 100 – which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Noel Gallagher forced to cancel US concert due to poor air quality from Canada wildfires

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:20 , Ariana Baio

Noel Gallagher has cancelled his Wisconsin concert due to the poor air quality brought on by the Canadian wildfires.

Originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening (28 June) at Breese Stevens Field, the 56-year-old British rocker’s High Flying Birds and Garage concert has been axed.

Concert promoter FPC Live shared the announcement across social media on Wednesday morning, noting the decision was “based on the Public Health Madison & Dane County’s Air Quality Advisory”.

“Refunds will be available at your point of purchase. Ticketholders will receive an email with refund information,” it stated.

Inga Parkel reports:

Noel Gallagher forced to cancel US concert due to poor air quality

Watch: Satellite footage shows wildfire smoke from Canada looming over Midwest

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:15 , Ariana Baio

Wildfire smoke casts haze over downtown Pittsburgh

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is moving from the Midwest toward Pennsylvania, causing poor air quality conditions and hazy skies.

A photo, taken of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline shows the thick smoke overtaking the skyline.

What started the Canadian wildfires?

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:45 , Ariana Baio

Canada is dealing with a series of intense wildfires that have spread from the western provinces to Quebec, with hundreds of forest fires burning.

The smoke has traveled into the United States, resulting in a number of air quality alerts issued since May.

While Canada is no stranger to wildfires across its vast expanses of forest, tundra and grassland, the country is experiencing an increasingly extreme wildfire season between May and October due to the climate crisis.

Wildfires are just one in a series of interlinked maladies caused by the climate crisis. The rising global temperature, driven by emissions from burning fossil fuels, is making droughts more severe.

The provinces of Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan have experienced abnormal to severe drought conditions since April, according to the Canadian Drought Monitor. 

The unusually dry conditions make vegetation, soil and trees more susceptible to burning which can escalate wildfires quickly.

Lightning strikes, people improperly disposing of flammable items like cigarettes or improper campfire extinguishing can cause quick and intense fires.

How to protect pets from wildfire smoke amid air quality alert

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio

Experts estimate that each hour of exposure to wildfire smoke is equivalent to smoking cigarettes continuously for the same amount of time, but that’s just for humans. Imagine how wildfire smoke affects our beloved pets?

In fact, poor air quality may pose an even greater risk to animals because of their much smaller size.

The biggest danger to pets comes from the fine particles found in air pollutants, which can get into the lungs and cause a variety of health issues – like eye irritation or respiratory problems. Some of the most vulnerable pets are older animals suffering from heart or lung disease.

Certain breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, may be especially at risk of inhaling too much smoke, according to the American Kennel Club.

Meredith Clark reports:

How to protect pets from wildfire smoke amid air quality alert

How to stay safe from wildfire smoke

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:20 , Ariana Baio

More than 450 wildfires are currently burning in parts of Canada with over 250 considered “out of control.”

Parts of the United States, including New York City and Pennsylvania, have been warned that air quality conditions may worsen throughout the week as wind patterns move the heavy smoke east.

To stay safe from wildfire smoke, public health officials recommend staying indoors or limiting the amount of time spent outside.

If you do need to go out, wear a mask to protect your lungs from smoke. Health officials suggest N95 or KN95s.

Keep doors and windows shut and avoid turning on AC window units. When home try to use air purifiers.

Map shows where air quality conditions are unhealthy

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:10 , Ariana Baio

As of Wednesday morning, air quality conditions are worse in the upper midwest region of the United States, according to a map from Airnow.gov.

Purple dots, indicating that air quality is “very unhealthy”, were scattered throughout the northern midwest region.

Red dots showed “unhealthy” air quality whereas orange showed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Chicago air quality unhealthy as Canadian wildfire emissions reach record levels and send smoke to Europe

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio

The air quality in Chicago has reached unhealthy levels as the city is affected by the smoke coming from the wildfires in Canada, where record-beating emissions are leading to the smoke travelling all the way across the North Atlantic and reaching Europe.

The smoke is leading to hazy conditions in the Windy City on Tuesday, with the air quality now considered unhealthy for everyone, not just those with respiratory conditions.

Gustaf Kilander reports:

Chicago air quality unhealthy as Canadian wildfire emissions reach record levels

‘Code red’ declared in western Pennsylvania due to air quality

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:45 , Ariana Baio

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared a “code red” alert for western parts of the state due to the worsening air quality from the Canadian wildfire smoke.

Code red means the air quality index (AQI) has reached a level that could be unhealthy for the general public.

“Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should avoid outdoor activities, and everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion,” the Department of Environmental Protection wrote.

Erie, Warren, McKean, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Forest, Elk, Lawrence, Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, Clearfield, Indiana, Cambria, Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Greene, Fayette and Somerset counties have the code red in effect

Meanwhile, eastern Pennsylvania is in a ‘code orange’.

Satellite imagery shows smoke arriving in Europe

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:30 , Ariana Baio

Air Quality Index in major US Cities

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:16 , Ariana Baio

As smoke from the Canadian wildfires beings to move southern and easterly, here is the air quality index (AQI) in major cities as of Wednesday morning, according to AirNow.gov.

Chicago - 215, Very Unhealthy

Cincinnati - 199, Unhealthy

Columbus - 175, Unhealthy

Philadelphia - 77, Moderate

New York City - 56, Moderate

Washington DC - 77, Moderate

In photos: Smoke in Chicago

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:06 , Ariana Baio

New York City Health Department tells New Yorkers to ‘listen to your body’

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:50 , Ariana Baio

In a statement, the New York City Health Department warned residents of New York to be prepared for worsening air quality conditions throughout the week and not wait for an alert to take action.

“Poor air quality can affect people differently, so individuals must assess their own sensitivities and adjust to conditions at the time,” the Health Department wrote.

The agency told people to stay informed by checking AirNow.gov for current conditions and signing up for alerts using @NotifyNYC.

“While we currently project air quality index (AQI) to be in the moderate range (between 51 - 100) today, wind patterns can quickly change without notice.”

“New Yorkers should listen to their body. Reactions to poor air quality can include watery eyes, scratchy throat, headaches, or shortness of breath.”

Air quality in Chicago ‘very unhealthy’

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:40 , Ariana Baio

The Air quality index (AQI) in Chicago was around 215 as of Wednesday morning according to AirNow.gov.

The AQI runs from 0 to 500. Anything above 100 is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups” meaning those with underlying conditions, children or older adults should take precautions.

Anything above 150 is “unhealthy” which can impact members of the general public.

At 215, Chicago’s air quality puts everyone at an increased health risk.

Public health officials recommended residents of Chicago and surrounding areas limit their time outside and wear a mask when going outdoors.

New York set to be hit with dire air quality again as Canadian wildfire smoke rages on

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:37 , Ariana Baio

The air quality in New York is set to “deteriorate very quickly” over the next 48 hours as smoke from the Canadian wildfires shifts over the state.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents that air quality could reach “unhealthy” levels in some parts of the state on Wednesday.

Gov. Hochul advised high-risk groups – children, senior citizens, pregnant women, elderly persons, or people with respiratory disorders – to remain indoors as the smoke descends on New York.

“We’re also giving alerts to people about outdoor workers, making sure supervisors know it is not recommended unless people are wearing masks,” she said.

Maanya Sachdeva reports:

Canada wildfires set to cause ‘unhealthy’ air quality levels in New York again