Air Pollution Levels In New Hampshire Unhealthy Due To Hundreds Of Canadian Wildfires

NEW HAMPSHIRE — Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing air pollution warnings and may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to state officials.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services said the concentration of pollution, primarily due to extensive wildfires in Canada, is causing breathing issues and haze in most of the state. Elevations of 3,000 feet or more could cause problems for people involved in prolonged outdoor exertion or with older adults. Forecasters at the National Weather Service warned the air pollution issues could last through the week.

Approximately 160 wildfires are burning across Quebec, part of a wider group of more than 300 fires that some call Canada's worst fire season ever. Quebec's fire prevention agency has said high temperatures and dry conditions have contributed to the raging fire season. Previous fires in Nova Scotia and Alberta have sent smoke into New England, prompting air quality warnings.

For further info, call NHDES at 603-271-1370. For air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire, call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit the NHDES website, linked here.

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