Wildfire Smoke Prompts Air Quality Warning By Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The lingering wildfire smoke from Canada has caused Basking Ridge to warn residents about the poor air quality on Wednesday.

"Please be aware that the NJDEP has issued an Air Quality Action Day advisory," said the township.

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.

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