ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore on Thursday released the following statement regarding Maryland’s Red Alert Air Quality Condition resulting from the Canadian Wildfires:

“We are working in close coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Health to monitor the impact that wildfires burning in Quebec, Canada are having on air quality both in Maryland and across the region.

“The Maryland Department of the Environment is advising Marylanders to expect unhealthy air conditions today through at least Thursday as smoke and fine particles produced from the wildfires continue to spread over the region. Air quality is currently at unhealthy levels for everyone. Marylanders should consider limiting time spent outdoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older adults, people with respiratory problems such as asthma, or people with heart conditions should avoid outdoor exertion altogether. People who must be outside, such as outdoor workers, should be alert for symptoms such as difficulty breathing. Air quality information is always available at https://mde.maryland.gov.

“The Maryland Department of Health is advising Marylanders to follow the Air Quality Action Guide (PDF), which includes information on preventing adverse effects of polluted air. For a red alert, everyone should limit strenuous outdoor activity when the air is unhealthy to breathe.

• If you have lung or heart disease, stay indoors
• Air conditioning can improve the air quality indoors
• Masks (like N95s, KN95s) will reduce the particles that you breathe, but they can also make it harder to breathe
• Be alert for breathing problems in children, especially children with lung problems like asthma
• Check on neighbors and relatives with chronic health problems

“The health and safety of Marylanders is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information is available.”

Air Stagnation Warning

In addition, an Air Stagnation Warning has been issued for Thursday in the Baltimore area.

An Air Stagnation Warning is issued when major buildups of air pollution, smoke, dust, or industrial gases are expected near the ground for a period of time. This usually results from a stagnant high pressure system with weak winds being unable to bring in fresh air.

Additional information on Maryland’s air quality forecast can be found online here at MDE.