Air quality today: Canada wildfire smoke puts DC under ‘code purple’ as New York closes public schools

President Joe Biden has issued a statement about the wildfires in Canada, whose smoke is causing dangerous air quality conditions for people in the US.

“This morning, millions of Americans are experiencing the effects of smoke resulting from devastating wildfires burning in Canada, another stark reminder of the impacts of climate change. Since May, more than 600 U.S. firefighters, support personnel, and firefighting assets have been deployed, working alongside Canadian firefighters to tackle what is likely to be the worst fire season in Canadian history, and one that has huge impacts here in the United States.”

“Yesterday I spoke with Prime Minister Trudeau and offered any additional help Canada needs to rapidly accelerate the effort to put out these fires, particularly those in Quebec, where the fires are having the most direct impacts on American communities. I have directed the National Interagency Fire Center to respond promptly to Canadian requests for additional firefighters and fire suppression assets such as air tankers. I’ve asked Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg to keep me informed about his progress in ensuring that we proactively manage the air traffic implications of the deteriorated air quality based on lessons learned from prior incidents. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Regan is continuously monitoring air quality and providing critical updates for each relevant zipcode; you can find the current air quality and updated public health guidance in your area at AirNow.gov. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control offer detailed recommendations on protecting yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke at CDC.gov. Stay safe and follow the guidance of your local officials.”

As the clouds of heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires makes it way toward Washington DC, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments enacted a “Code Purple” warning.

The warning means air quality is “very unhealthy” and in some areas “hazardous” putting millions of people in the DC area at risk.

The Washington Nationals postponed their Thursday game, The National Zoo closed, schools have moved recess inside and those who need to be outdoors are advised to wear a N95 or KN95 face covering.

A view of the bridges over a hazy East River as smoke from wildfires burning in Canada continues to create unhealthy air quality conditions in New York on Thursday morning.

More than 400 wildfires have erupted across Canada and 7 million acres have been destroyed so far. In Quebec, there have been mass evacuations as officials warned this could be the country’s worst wildfire season on record.

In Montreal, thick smoke descended on the city this week but F1 insist the upcoming race meet at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will go ahead as planned.

The Independent’s Formula 1 Correspondent, Kieran Jackson, has more

Belmont Park in Elmont New York cancelled horse racing on Thursday due to poor air quality, The Associated Press reported.

There were also more cancellations in Major League Baseball with the Washington Nationals also postponing Thursday’s game.

On air quality maps, purple signifies the worst of it. In reality, it’s a thick, hazardous haze that’s disrupting daily life for millions of people across the U.S. and Canada, blotting out skylines and turning skies orange, The Associated Press reports.

And with weather systems expected to hardly budge, the smoky blanket billowing from wildfires in Quebec and Nova Scotia and sending plumes of fine particulate matter as far away as North Carolina and northern Europe should persist into Thursday and possibly the weekend.

That means at least another day, or more, of a dystopian-style detour that’s chased players from ballfields, actors from Broadway stages, delayed thousands of flights and sparked a resurgence in mask wearing and remote work — all while raising concerns about the health effects of prolonged exposure to such bad air.

The weather system that’s driving the great Canadian-American smoke out — a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia — “will probably be hanging around at least for the next few days,” U.S. National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey said.

“Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out,” Ramsey said. “Since the fires are raging — they’re really large — they’re probably going to continue for weeks. But it’s really just going be all about the wind shift.”

Washington DC was under “Code Purple” on Thursday as air quality dropped to very unhealthy, and hazardous, conditions.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered schools to cancel outdoor recess, sports and field trips.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) – used to measure air pollution – hit 293, according to the government monitor AirNow.gov.

It meant that unhealthy conditions for the general population but particularly those with underlying health issues.

The AQI runs from 0-500 with “satisfactory” air quality somewhere in the 0-50 range.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens were advised to avoid physical activities outdoors.

In general, people were advise to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and keep outdoor activities short.

President Joe Biden announced on Wedneday that he was sending more than 600 US firefighters and support personnel, along with equipment, to help Canada tackle its more than 400 wildfires.

The president noted that wildfires “are intensifying because of the climate crisis”.

He also advised that Americans experiencing dangerous air pollution, especially those with health conditions, take steps to protect themselves.