26 July 2024
Wildfire smoke impacts air quality in parts of Canada and western US
Smoke from wildfires across several western US states and Canada has led to air quality alerts in affected regions.
Dorany Pineda reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The National Interagency Fire Center reports 79 large active wildfires in the US, with 31 in Oregon alone.
- Smoke from these fires has triggered air quality alerts in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alberta, Canada.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors, use air purifiers and wear masks if they must go outside.
Why this matters:
Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, especially for children and those with preexisting health conditions. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for public health and safety.
