Canadian wildfire smoke returns to NYC, Tri-State: Air quality alerts and live updates
Last updated: Thursday, July 16, 2026 8:54PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- All of New York State, including New York City, and parts of New Jersey are under an Air Quality Advisory due to the smoke from more than 100 wildfires burning in Canada.
The Tri-State is seeing visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.
Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue, and can aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues.
Experts suggest reducing or eliminating outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.
Check back for live updates.
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How to protect yourself from poor air quality
Wildfire smoke can negatively impact your health depending on proximity to the fire and the air quality index. Those with underlying conditions like asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or who are pregnant need to be extra cautious about breathing in wildfire smoke.
As the smoke spreads, some ways to stay safe from dangerous air quality include staying indoors, choosing a room you can close off to outside air, set up a portable clean air filter and monitor local outdoor air quality.
Click here for more tips.
NJ town delays grand opening of splash pad
The Saddle Brook Police Department said Thursday morning that due to poor air quality in Bergen County, the Splash Pad Grand Opening scheduled for 10 a.m. is postponed.
Police say it is to ensure the safety of children and parents.
It was not yet known when the grand opening would be rescheduled.
Gov. Sherrill directs some agencies to make masks available for commuters
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she has directed NJ TRANSIT and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to make select quantities of masks available to commuters and at rest areas along the Turnpike and Parkway.
The Port Authority will also be distributing masks.
Smoke Futurecast through Saturday
Lee Goldberg has the Smoke Futurecast through Saturday morning:
