NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Officials are preparing for potential wildfires that could once again impact New York City's air quality.
Friday will mark one year since New York City was covered in an unhealthy haze due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Zachary Iscol, commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department, said that this season could also be an active wildfire season, noting that there are currently a lot of very dry areas in Canada.
The NYCEM has updated its air quality emergency guidelines to improve the city's response to dangerous wildfire smoke. New protocols and actions, depending on the severity of the air quality levels, could include:
- Enhancing communication and outreach to vulnerable populations
- Monitoring and tracking the impacts on critical services and infrastructure
- Distributing masks to the public
- Modifying school operations
- Curtailing services and outdoor events
While the NYCEM closely monitors wildfire and smoke patterns from Canada, New Yorkers can access up-to-date air quality reports courtesy of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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