Smoke from more than 830 wildfires burning across Canada is pushing air quality in Fairfield County into unhealthy territory, and state officials say the threat to Greenwich's most vulnerable residents will persist through Thursday, July 16.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued an air quality advisory on Wednesday, July 15, warning that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the fires would drive the air quality index to "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" levels statewide. For Fairfield County, which includes Greenwich, DEEP forecast conditions could worsen to "Unhealthy" on Thursday — a category that affects everyone, not just sensitive populations.
"The wildfire smoke impacting Connecticut today and tomorrow will produce unhealthy air quality and in combination with higher temperatures is expected to present significant risk to our most vulnerable residents," DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino said Wednesday.
The sensitive groups at highest risk include young children, older adults, and anyone with asthma, heart disease, or lung conditions. DEEP advised those residents to reduce outdoor activity and watch for coughing symptoms.
Northwest winds are funneling thick smoke from fires burning primarily in western Ontario and northern Minnesota into southern New England. The largest uncontrolled fire in western Ontario covers roughly 130,000 acres along the northern shores of Lake Superior, according to the DEEP press release. A second wave of dense smoke is projected to push into southern Connecticut on Thursday afternoon and evening.
Health experts recommend reducing or eliminating outdoor activities during the smoke event. If you must go outside, wear an N95 mask. Indoors, keep windows closed and run an air purifier or air conditioner.
Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani urged residents to act quickly if symptoms appear, saying anyone experiencing chest tightness, coughing, or eye irritation should head indoors immediately and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
The Greenwich Department of Health issued a heat advisory on Tuesday, July 14, covering the period through Thursday, July 16. With high heat compounding the poor air quality, the town's cooling centers also offer relief for residents looking to stay out of the smoky outdoor air:
- Greenwich Main Library, 101 West Putnam Ave.
- Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich
- Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Ave., Byram
- Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Road, Cos Cob
- Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road
- Greenwich Public Safety Complex, John Margenot Atrium, 11 Bruce Place (open daily, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.)
Residents can also call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org to find additional cooling locations.
For health concerns, contact the Greenwich Department of Health at (203) 987-1000. Real-time air quality readings are available here.
