NY and NJ Schools Enforce Indoor Stay for Children Amid Deteriorating Air Quality Blamed on Canadian Wildfires

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
NEW YORK, NY- Due to plummeting air quality in the Northeastern United States caused by wildfires in Canada, schools in New York and New Jersey have decided to keep children indoors during recess. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that air quality levels had reached “Very Unhealthy” on the Air Quality Index, with smoke from the Canadian wildfires being the main cause. While students were still required to attend school, all outdoor activities were canceled as a precautionary measure. Several school districts in Long Island and New Jersey, including Clifton and West Orange, also limited outdoor recess and activities due to the poor air quality.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection declared Wednesday an air quality action day for several counties, advising that the air quality was unhealthy, particularly for individuals with lung and heart conditions, asthma, and the elderly. It was recommended for these sensitive groups to limit strenuous outdoor activities.

Mayor Adams emphasized that individuals with preexisting respiratory problems, children, and older adults should stay indoors during this time. He urged all New Yorkers to limit outdoor activities as much as possible. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for all five boroughs, noting that conditions were expected to deteriorate further in the afternoon and evening following a temporary improvement.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington, and Alaska, indicating favorable conditions for wildfire spread due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels. In response, the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service increased patrols, manned fire towers, and deployed helicopters for observation and potential firefighting. Open burning, including campfires and intentional agricultural fires, was banned in New Jersey.

A wildfire in Jackson Township, New Jersey, burned approximately 50 acres but was about 70% contained as of Wednesday morning.