Canadian wildfires causing dangerous air quality conditions for the Hudson Valley

Department of Environmental Conservation officials say New York is experiencing the worst air quality since 2002 due to wildfires in Canada.

News 12 Staff

Jun 6, 2023, 5:33 PM

Updated 318 days ago

Share:

Department of Environmental Conservation officials say New York is experiencing the worst air quality since 2002 due to wildfires in Canada.
News 12 was on the waterfront at Pierson Park in Tarrytown, where the view was obscured Tuesday by a thick haze.
There are multiple wildfires raging in Canada, in Quebec and Nova Scotia and the smoke is impacting millions of Americans across the northeast and as far down as the Carolinas.
"It is a very dry year, a warm year and there are concerns that these conditions will persist," said Basil Seggos, New York’s DEC commissioner.
The DEC has issued an air quality advisory for the Hudson Valley. New Yorkers are being urged to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory issues.
Dr. Paul Pechman, a pulmonologist at Scarsdale Medical Group, told News 12 that many individuals have been “experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath” and “irritation of eyes.”


More from News 12
0:36
Report of student with gun prompts hold in place at Northern Westchester BOCES campus

Report of student with gun prompts hold in place at Northern Westchester BOCES campus

2:36
Dry afternoon for Friday throughout the Hudson Valley before evening showers roll in

Dry afternoon for Friday throughout the Hudson Valley before evening showers roll in

1:46
Stepfather of man charged in fatal Mount Vernon shooting indicted for murder

Stepfather of man charged in fatal Mount Vernon shooting indicted for murder

1:38
Kerhonkson man indicted for killing, dismembering girlfriend

Kerhonkson man indicted for killing, dismembering girlfriend

0:29
Middletown fairgrounds to host Burnout Nationals finale

Middletown fairgrounds to host Burnout Nationals finale

2:06
Lyndhurst in Bloom flower show is this weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion

Lyndhurst in Bloom flower show is this weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion

0:31
Greenwood Lake mayor, village building inspector suddenly resign

Greenwood Lake mayor, village building inspector suddenly resign

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:10
State police in the Hudson Valley ramp up patrols to catch impaired drivers on April 20

State police in the Hudson Valley ramp up patrols to catch impaired drivers on April 20

0:54
Protesters march outside Yonkers County Family Court to call for reform in the system

Protesters march outside Yonkers County Family Court to call for reform in the system

0:38
1 of 2 men charged in Bedford firebombing pleads guilty

1 of 2 men charged in Bedford firebombing pleads guilty

0:24
Holtec International sues NYS over law banning discharge of radiological waste into the Hudson

Holtec International sues NYS over law banning discharge of radiological waste into the Hudson

0:29
Cortlandt community composting program accepting food scraps

Cortlandt community composting program accepting food scraps

0:26
Rifton USPS in Ulster County closed indefinitely due to safety hazard

Rifton USPS in Ulster County closed indefinitely due to safety hazard

0:21
The Orange County Land Trust launches wilderness campaign effort

The Orange County Land Trust launches wilderness campaign effort

0:46
Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities hosted its 5th annual Eco Awards

Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities hosted its 5th annual Eco Awards

0:50
Bark Air is launching flights catered to dogs out of Westchester County Airport

Bark Air is launching flights catered to dogs out of Westchester County Airport

0:40
TEDx Talk at Mamaroneck HS focuses on mental health of adolescents, families, communities

TEDx Talk at Mamaroneck HS focuses on mental health of adolescents, families, communities

Is your mom awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget