Air Quality Alert Issued for Barnstable County Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Barnstable County and much of Massachusetts due to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) from Canadian wildfire smoke.
The Air Quality Alert is in effect until midnight Thursday night.
According to MassDEP, fine particulate concentrations may approach or exceed levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
People who may be more affected include:
- Children
- Older adults
- Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions
- People with heart disease
MassDEP advises sensitive individuals to limit prolonged outdoor activity while the alert remains in effect.
Residents can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts by visiting:
- MassAir Forecast: https://mass.gov/dep/massair/forecast
- EPA AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/
Outdoor employers and workers may also wish to review guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards on reducing exposure to wildfire smoke.
Barnstable County Emergency Management will continue to share information from state and federal partners as conditions warrant.
