Air Quality To Be Monitored By Bridgewater Schools Due To Wildfires

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Due to the smoke from Canadian wildfires, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District will continue to monitor the air quality index over the next few days, said Superintendent Robert Beers in a message to the community on Wednesday.

Physical education classes and recess will be held indoors until the outdoor air quality improves.

"The latest forecast shows an improvement by Friday, so we should be back to normal in a short amount of time," said Beers.

Bridgewater Township also took action on Wednesday canceling all outdoor recreation programs. Read More: Wildfire Smoke Cancels All Outdoor Bridgewater Recreation

Air quality levels are unhealthy across New Jersey as a plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada pushes south.

"Even thicker smoke and resulting poor air quality ('very unhealthy' levels on the air quality index) is quickly pushing southward and will expand across the rest of our area this afternoon & evening," said the National Weather Service in Mount Holly on Wednesday afternoon.

The Garden State may not see the conditions clear completely until Friday or Saturday, said the National Weather Service.

State environmental officials issued a "Code Red Air Quality Action Day" across New Jersey through Thursday night, with unhealthy air quality conditions across the entire state.

Smoke and particulate matter in the air are making unsafe conditions for some groups of people like children, the elderly, and people with asthma. Officials advise those in sensitive groups to keep outdoor activities short, avoid strenuous exercise or activities outside, and consider rescheduling physical activities.

Even for those who do not have respiratory conditions, exercising too much or spending too long outside can irritate the throat, eyes, and lungs.

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