Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday updated New Yorkers on smoky conditions caused by Canadian wildfires and said an Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect, with Western New York forecast to have air that may be “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” on July 17.
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) continue to monitor conditions and issued advisories tied to particulate matter. The statewide advisory was in effect July 16 through 11:59 p.m., and a separate advisory was issued for the Western New York region for July 17 as the smoke plume moves across the state.
Who should take precautions
State officials reminded residents that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people, and outdoor workers are among those most at risk from poor air quality. Recommendations include limiting or shortening outdoor activities when AQI levels are elevated, reducing exertion outdoors, seeking smoke-free indoor spaces, and cooling off indoors when temperatures are high.
Masks and distribution
At the Governor’s direction, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) made more than 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks available to counties to address air quality impacts. DHSES received requests from Chautauqua, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego and Washington Counties and provided an additional 40,000 masks to New York City and to state and regional partners for distribution at transit hubs.
The New York State Thruway Authority began distributing masks at four major rest stops: Angola, Clifton Springs, New Baltimore and Ramapo. State officials said they remain prepared to facilitate additional requests for assistance from local governments.
Guidance for schools, camps, employers and outdoor workers
State guidance recommends that schools and childcare providers suspend outdoor activities and field trips when air quality is unhealthy, and consider implementing an air quality flag program to adjust daily outdoor activity plans. Employers with outdoor workforces are advised to adjust schedules and provide rest and hydration breaks, offer respirators when appropriate, and train employees on smoke-related health risks.
Where to check current conditions
State officials urged New Yorkers to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) at AirNow.gov for real-time monitoring and to follow DEC and DOH updates as conditions change. The state reiterated AQI categories used to guide public-health recommendations, noting that AQI values above 100 may be unhealthy for sensitive groups and values above 150 may be unhealthy for the general public.
This article is based on a press release issued by the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on July 16, 2026.
