Canadian Wildfire Smoke Returns to Upstate New York: What to Expect

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Returns to Upstate New York: Air Quality Alert Issued

New York State is once again under an air quality alert due to smoke from raging wildfires in southwestern Canada. The smoke, which painted the skies gold and gave the air a campfire smell last summer, is expected to linger over the state for several days.

While the air quality is currently deemed moderate, experts advise those sensitive to air pollution to limit their outdoor activities. For everyone else, it's a good day to be outside.

Smoke Timelapse:

Check out this timelapse of the smoke consuming New York City:

Air Quality Alert:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued air quality alerts, particularly in the southern region. The smoke is expected to be at mid-and-upper levels of the atmosphere, carried by northerly winds.

While the conditions are not expected to be as dangerous as last summer, things could deteriorate if the fires intensify. You can track the wildfires burning in Canada through an interactive map provided by Natural Resources Canada: https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/interactive-map.

Tips for Staying Safe:

• Limit outdoor activities if you're sensitive to air pollution.
• Wear a mask to filter out harmful particles.
• Set your car's A/C to recirculate air from inside the cabin.

New York's Air Quality:

Central and Western New York have the lowest amount of fine particles in the air, while the Upper Hudson Valley and NYC Metro have the highest. NYC and the Upper HV both had scores in the 80s on Wednesday, August 14.

Wildfire Prevention:

Smokey The Bear famously said, "only you can prevent wildfires." Here are 10 tips provided by the Department Of Interior to help prevent wildfires:

1. Check Weather and Drought Conditions
2. Build Your Campfire in the Open, Far From Flammables
3. Douse Your Fire Until It's Cold
4. Keep Vehicles Off Dry Grass
5. Regularly Maintain Your Vehicle and Equipment
6. Practice Vehicle Safety
7. Check Your Tires, Bearings, and Axels on Trailers
8. Keep Sparks Away From Dry Vegetation
9. Check Conditions and Regulations Before Using Fireworks
10. Cautiously Burn Debris and Never When It's Windy

New York's Most Boring Hometowns:

According to Roadsnacks, these are the 10 most boring places in New York:

1. North Hills
2. East Aurora
3. Briarcliff Manor
4. Oneida
5. Fairport
6. Northport
7. Johnstown
8. Baldwinsville
9. Croton-On-Hudson
10. Bath

Do you agree with Roadsnacks' list? Let us know in the comments!