Air quality alert issued across New York metro as Canadian wildfire smoke arrives
New York City and much of the Tri-State region were placed under an air quality alert Wednesday and into Thursday after smoke from wildfires in Canada arrived over the area and combined with elevated ground-level ozone.
Officials with the city’s emergency management office said residents across the five boroughs could expect visible smoke during the mid-morning hours and warned the air was "unhealthy for sensitive groups." City guidance singled out children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with underlying medical conditions as those who should cut back on outdoor time or avoid strenuous activity.
"Know the warning signs: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and unusual fatigue. If symptoms are severe — especially difficulty breathing or chest pain — seek immediate medical attention or call 911," emergency officials advised.
Health and emergency officials also recommended that people who must be outdoors consider wearing a KN95 or N95 mask. To increase access, the city is offering free masks at a number of public libraries and firehouses.
- Public libraries distributing masks: all Brooklyn and Queens public libraries, St. George Library Center (Staten Island), Bronx Library Center, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (Manhattan).
- Selected firehouses offering free masks include locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.
Where to get free masks
Below are locations named by city officials where masks are being distributed. Residents should check hours and availability before visiting.
| Facility | Borough |
|---|---|
| St. George Library Center | Staten Island |
| Bronx Library Center | Bronx |
| Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library | Manhattan |
| All Brooklyn public libraries | Brooklyn |
| All Queens public libraries | Queens |
| 720 Melrose Ave. | Bronx (firehouse) |
| 2417 Webster Ave. | Bronx (firehouse) |
| 172 Tillary St. | Brooklyn (firehouse) |
| 885 Howard Ave. | Brooklyn (firehouse) |
| 100 Duane St. | Brooklyn (firehouse) |
| 207 West 77th St. | Brooklyn (firehouse) |
| 91-25 121st St. | Queens (firehouse) |
| 108-01 Horace Harding Expressway | Queens (firehouse) |
| 1850 Clove Road | Staten Island (firehouse) |
Local impacts and guidance
The air-quality advisory comes as smoke already moved into neighboring states; New Jersey officials warned the plume would reach their area later Wednesday evening. Residents with respiratory conditions and other vulnerabilities should monitor symptoms closely and follow these steps:
- Limit time spent outdoors and avoid strenuous activity.
- Use KN95/N95 masks when outside if needed; surgical or cloth masks are less protective against fine smoke particles.
- Seek immediate medical care for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.
City agencies typically update advisories and distribution points as conditions evolve. New Yorkers with concerns about air quality can follow official city and state channels for real-time information and local emergency guidance.
As summer wildfire smoke events grow more frequent, the alert is a reminder that air quality conditions can change rapidly and have outsized effects on children, older residents and those with chronic health issues. Taking simple precautions now can reduce immediate health risks while officials monitor and respond to the situation.
