Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting smoke from wildfires over Quebec to continue to linger throughout the day on Thursday and result in elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels. These levels are expected to exceed unhealthy levels for the entire state as the smoke slowly disperses throughout the day.
“It is recommended that you limit the amount of time you need to be outside and avoid strenuous activities, particularly if you have respiratory issues or other similar ailments until the air quality improves,” Nick Marsan, Acting Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director said.
The Westport Office of Emergency Management encourages daycare providers, summer camps and elder/senior centers to subscribe to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
When air quality reaches Unhealthy levels, individuals with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion and even healthy individuals should limit prolonged exertion. The general population may see increased respiratory effects.