Air Quality Warning in Effect Due To Quebec Wildfires

Take heed this Memorial Day: the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued an air quality alert for Melrose and most of eastern Massachusetts today due to smoke caused by wildfires raging in Quebec, Canada.

The air quality alert, in effect until 8 p.m., means that "fine particulates concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards," according to the DEP's alert.

Canadian firefighters are currently battling over 50 wildfires concentrated in central Quebec. Blustery winds have pushed smoke from those fires into New England.

Melrose Fire Capt. John White told Melrose Patch that the department received "a bunch of calls" earlier today in the late morning and early afternoon from citizens concerned that the smoke was coming from a local fire.

"It seems to have subsided now," White said late in the afternoon, adding that the Fire Department hasn't had to respond to any medical calls relating to the air quality problems.

For additional information, visit the DEP website or call 1-800-882-1497.