Canadian wildfire smoke returns to NYC, Tri-State: Air quality alerts and live updates
Last updated: Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:47PM 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.
Key Headlines
Here's how the news is developing.
2 hours and 3 minutes ago
Newark distributing masks; all outdoor city pools closed
The City of Newark is distributing free masks as the Air Quality Index is expected to reach 200 on Thursday.
Due to the poor air quality, all City of Newark outdoor pools will be closed until air quality conditions improve.
Masks are available at the following locations while supplies last at the following locations:
- Newark City Hall, 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd.
- Shani Baraka Women's Resource Center, 300 Clinton Ave.
- Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center at Speedway Avenue, 701 South Orange Ave.
- Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center, 394 University Ave.
- Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness, 110 William St.
3 hours and 23 minutes ago
Unhealthy air conditions force summer camps in NJ to alter schedules
The unhealthy air conditions are forcing summer youth camps across New Jersey to alter their schedules.
Some camps have scrapped outdoor activities altogether and others are sending kids home early.
Anthony Johnson is in Woodland Park with more:
Anthony Johnson reports from New Jersey.
3 hours and 49 minutes ago
NYC officials tell residents to limit times outdoors, hand out free masks
New York City officials are warning residents to limit their time outdoors and they are also handing out free KN95 masks at locations across the city.
Lindsay Tuchman has more:
Lindsay Tuchman has more on the story.
Greenwood Lake Beach Closed amid poor air quality
The Village of Greenwood Lake Beach is closed today "for the safety of our residents and visitors" due to unhealth air quality.
