Wildfire Smoke Closes Westfield Pool, Reschedules Pride Event

WESTFIELD, NJ — The lingering wildfire smoke from Canada has caused Westfield to close its pool, reschedule the Pride Event and move or cancel outdoor recreation programs on Wednesday.

Due to the poor air quality Alert, Westfield announced the following changes:

• Westfield Memorial Pool will be closed today.
• Tonight's Pride event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 13, at 5 p.m.
• The recreation volleyball program has been moved to the Westfield High School gym. All other outdoor Recreation programs are canceled for today.

The Westfield Regional Health Department advises the following:

• Stay indoors with windows closed.
• Know your air quality and wait until air quality improves before you resume outdoor activities. You can find current air quality conditions at airnow.gov.
• It is especially important that those with respiratory conditions and children remain indoors during times of poor air quality.

The Health Department has also provided the following resources related to wildfire smoke:

• Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke or Ash: https://westfieldnj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5418/protect-your-lungs-from-wildfire-smoke-or-ash
• Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash: https://westfieldnj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5417/protecting-children-from-wildfire-smoke-and-ash-factsheet
• Reduce Your Smoke Exposure: https://westfieldnj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5416/reduce-your-smoke-exposure

Smoke from Canadian wildfires will linger in the air across New Jersey Wednesday, with additional plumes to be expected into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. Read More: Wildfire Smoke Will Linger In NJ: What To Expect

"Air quality will be very poor today due to the smoke and haze from wildfires in Canada. It is recommend to limit time and any exertion outdoors. Wearing a mask may help limit irritation of the respiratory system if you must spend time outdoors today," the weather service said Wednesday.

Exposure to air pollutants from the wildfire, which as particulate matter and ground-level ozone, can cause headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, irritated throat and increased coughing, the weather service said.

"Poor air quality can be hazardous to anyone, and it can aggravate health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease," the weather service added. "Seniors, children and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk."

There are approximately 160 wildfires burning across Quebec, part of a wider group of more than 300 fires across the country that some are calling Canada's worst fire season ever.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.