Get Your FREE Wildfire Smoke Mask From New York State

Canadian wildfire smoke continues to blanket portions of New York State, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to announce that free protective masks are being distributed in several communities across the state.

How concerned are you about the air you’ve been breathing this week in New York State? If you have asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition, health officials recommend paying close attention to air quality alerts and limiting time outdoors when conditions worsen.

Wildfire Smoke Creates Some of the Worst Air Quality Yet

I have to say that Thursday’s air quality was probably the worst I’ve experienced since Canadian wildfire smoke first started affecting New York State. I remember a couple of years ago when practices, sporting events, and other outdoor activities were canceled because of poor air quality. However, I don’t remember the smoke smelling as strong as it has this week.

Related: New York State Will Go Silent This Weekend

Even so, I’m still trying to spend as much time outdoors as possible and enjoy the summer. Since I have asthma, though, I’m being extra cautious whenever I’m outside.

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Smoke Covers New York Landmarks as Residents Wear Masks

Have you seen some of the photos showing smoke covering iconic landmarks across New York State and other parts of the Northeast and Midwest?

Many people are wearing masks outdoors to help protect themselves from the fine particles carried in the smoke, which can irritate the lungs and make it harder to breathe. In many parts of New York, you can smell the smoke almost immediately after stepping outside.

New York State Offering Free Masks During Air Quality Alerts

As air quality alerts continue across New York State, officials are making free masks available at select locations.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, masks are being distributed in several communities, including New York City, as part of the state’s “Air Aware” initiative. Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions and take precautions whenever advisories are issued.

Rain Could Bring Some Relief

As we move into the second half of July, there may finally be some relief on the way. Rain is in the forecast, and it could help improve air quality by reducing some of the smoke lingering over the region.

Most importantly, our thoughts remain with the people directly affected by the wildfires in Canada, along with the firefighters and emergency crews working tirelessly to contain the blazes. Some of the images and videos coming from these fires have been absolutely staggering.

If the smoke is affecting your breathing this weekend, stay indoors as much as possible and follow the latest air quality advisories. Hopefully, cleaner air is just around the corner so we can all get back to enjoying everything summer in New York has to offer.