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06/07/2023 02:03 PMLocal officials are warning residents about poor quality through Thursday, June 8. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued an Air Quality Action Day for June 7. Air Quality Action Days are issued when fine particulate concentrations within a region meet or exceed unhealthy standards.
According to a press release from the Department of Energy Services and Public Protection (DEMHS), smoke from Canadian wildfires is presenting unhealthy air conditions in Connecticut.
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are more than 400 active fires across the country, with more than 200 burning out of control. The worst-affected province is Quebec, with more than 150 fires burning. Dense smoke from the Quebec fires is impacting a number of states, including Connecticut.
According to a statement from DEMHS, the highest concentrations of smoke are expected to say in Connecticut into the early morning hours of June 8.
“Lower concentrations of smoke will linger through much of Thursday,” according to the statement.
The air quality index (AQI) considers air throughout the state to be at “unhealthy” levels with values between 150-170 PM.
East Haven’s mayor, Joseph Carfora, urged residents with respiratory issues to remain inside until the AQI decreases.
“If you suffer from respiratory illness, try and stay inside with the windows closed until it passes,” Carfora said in a written statement.