Smoke from wildfires across several western US states and Canada has led to air quality alerts in affected regions.
Dorany Pineda reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The National Interagency Fire Center reports 79 large active wildfires in the US, with 31 in Oregon alone.
- Smoke from these fires has triggered air quality alerts in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alberta, Canada.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors, use air purifiers and wear masks if they must go outside.
Why this matters:
Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, especially for children and those with preexisting health conditions. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for public health and safety.
