PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Due to smoke from Canadian wildfires that continue to influence the area, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has posted an air quality alert effective until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2023, in five counties in western and central Massachusetts. 

 

Smoke is expected to impact air quality tomorrow in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester counties. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to ozone.

 

MassDEP advises people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

 

More details are available, including forecasts and real-time data, at MassDEP's MassAir Online site here.