Avon Fire Department Advises Residents of Poor Air Quality Due to Wildfires

This image from the NASA Earth Observatory shows patterns of smoke from wildfires streaking across the U.S., creating unhealthy outdoor air quality and moving federal and state authorities to issue alerts.

Air Quality Alert In Effect Until Noon Today

Chief Robert Spurr and the Avon Fire Department wish to make residents aware that hazy conditions visible in town and throughout the region are the result of western wildfires, and urges precautions to protect their respiratory health. 

Smoke has been carried east via the jetstream from fires burning in Oregon and elsewhere, resulting in reduced air quality and smoke odor locally. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities while smoky conditions persist. 

The National Weather Service and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection have issued an air quality alert for the region. The DEP alert remains in effect until noon today, June 27.

The air quality alert means that particles and pollution in the air have reached unhealthy levels. The DEP advises that the air quality may cause health effects even in otherwise healthy people. Residents are urged to avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion and should consider moving outdoor events inside or rescheduling them. Those with asthma should keep quick relief medicine handy. 

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