Canadian wildfire smoke prompts air quality advisory for New York

An air quality health advisory has been issued for New York City and several regions across the state as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift southward, raising public health concerns.

New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) jointly announced the advisory on Saturday, affecting Long Island, the New York City metro area, the Lower and Upper Hudson Valley, and the Adirondack region. According to officials, air quality in these areas is currently categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” including young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.

The Air Quality Index (AQI), a federal measure used to gauge the level of air pollution and its health impacts, is forecasted to exceed 100 across much of the state. In some areas, the AQI could climb to as high as 135, prompting advisories for people to limit outdoor activities, particularly during peak pollution hours.

The source of the smoke is the unprecedented wildfire activity continuing across Canada. As of this week, more than 550 wildfires are active nationwide, with a particularly high concentration in Manitoba. Authorities report that over 6.1 million hectares which is approximately 15 million acres that have burned across the country in the past year, marking one of Canada’s most destructive wildfire seasons on record.

Earlier this summer, tens of thousands of residents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were forced to evacuate due to the spreading fires. The situation prompted multiple state-of-emergency declarations and renewed focus on climate change, which scientists consistently link to the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires. Canada is warming at roughly twice the global average, with Arctic regions heating even faster, intensifying the severity of the fire season.

The impact of the smoke has not been limited to New York. Air quality alerts have also been issued across parts of New England. In July, similar conditions affected Chicago, where officials warned of heightened health risks for babies and older adults.

The crisis has also drawn political attention. Earlier this month, six U.S. lawmakers wrote to the Canadian ambassador, voicing frustration over the cross-border impact of the wildfires, which they said was interfering with Americans’ ability to enjoy the summer season.