Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada has drifted into the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing hazy skies and unhealthy air quality to Maryland, including Montgomery County.
The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued air quality alerts for much of the state, with conditions expected to range from Code Orange, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups, to Code Purple, signaling a very unhealthy climate for the entire population, as fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke combines with high temperatures and ozone, reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor.
Montgomery County officials are urging residents to monitor air quality forecasts and limit outdoor activities when pollution levels are elevated.
Warning: Code Purple
“Today’s Code Purple air quality alert indicates very unhealthy air conditions for the entire public, not just those with respiratory illnesses,” said County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis. “The smoke from the Canadian wildfires has exacerbated a typical air quality alert and everyone should pay attention and take precautions.”
MD Department of the Environment Air Quality Forecast
Summer Camps, Pools & Outdoor Events Impacted
The Department of Recreation and summer camps in the county alerted parents and caregivers they were bringing all activities for today, Friday, indoors. County pools are closed.
Montgomery Parks also announced the closure of some parks and outdoors activities today, including the butterfly experience at Brookside Garden and Grownup Outdoor Movie Night at Flower Avenue Urban Park.
Most Vulnerable Populations
Health officials say children, older adults, pregnant people and those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions are most at risk from wildfire smoke. Residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, keep windows closed when possible, use air conditioning or air filtration systems. They also advise wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask if residents must spend time outside.
100 Americans Affected
The smoke is part of a large plume stretching across the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. More than 100 million people have been affected as smoke from active Canadian wildfires continues to move south, reducing visibility and worsening air quality in cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore and areas across Maryland.
Forecasters expect air quality to improve as weather patterns shift and rain moves into the region, although additional smoke could linger through the weekend depending on wind conditions.
State officials recommend checking the latest Air Quality Index before making outdoor plans, as conditions can change throughout the day.
