Once Again: Air Quality Alert in New York as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Returns

Most of New York is under an Air Quality Health Advisory today due to smoke drifting in from the ongoing wildfires in Canada. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is urging residents to check the Air Quality Index before going outside and to take precautions as needed, especially those with respiratory issues or heart conditions. A second advisory has already been issued for tomorrow as conditions are expected to remain poor.

This summer’s smoke comes from another brutal wildfire season in Canada. The 2025 season began in May with more than 160 active wildfires across the country. These fires are a natural part of the forest cycle.

The pattern is familiar. In 2023, Canadian wildfires reached record-breaking levels in both area burned and air pollution. The 2024 season wasn’t far behind. This year’s fires are already on track to become the second-worst in history in terms of carbon emissions and land burned.

In response to recent seasons, Canadian officials began ordering new water bombers to improve firefighting capabilities. But with long wait times and production backlogs, those planes are not expected to arrive until at least 2029.

For now, residents in New York and beyond are once again facing the immediate effects. Officials continue to monitor the situation and advise everyone to limit time outdoors when air quality levels are unhealthy.