The aftermath of the massive wildfires in Canada continued to affect regions in the United States, including New York, on the 8th (local time). As the wildfire smoke that covered New York the previous day moved southward, Washington DC issued a 'Code Purple,' the second-highest alert level.
The office of Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington DC, confirmed the Code Purple alert in a statement that day, saying, "Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality in Washington DC and the northeastern U.S. region."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a Code Purple alert when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200, indicating a 'very unhealthy' level. It is the second worst level after 'Hazardous (301?500).' All groups are advised to stay indoors as much as possible, and if outdoor work is necessary, they should reduce it as much as possible or wear N95-grade masks. The White House also postponed the June 'Pride Month' outdoor event originally scheduled for that afternoon. The Washington Nationals' game, various city events, and outdoor classes in public schools were all canceled simultaneously.
Although New York City's AQI, which was once covered in orange smoke and reached as high as 400 the previous day, dropped below 200, it still remained at an unhealthy level. New York City public schools decided to continue remote classes the following day. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned, "It is not over yet. We must prepare for the possibility of a wind change," indicating that air quality could worsen again. Meteorologist John Murray diagnosed, "The wind is weak, so there is no room for improvement. Unfortunately, the air quality health advisory will remain in effect across New York until midnight." Authorities currently recommend that local residents stay indoors as much as possible. Some flight operations and delays continued at airports near New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC on this day as well.
The U.S. National Weather Service announced that it had issued air quality alerts for the Great Lakes, northeastern Ohio Valley, and the Mid-Atlantic region on this day. On Friday the 9th, widespread haze is expected to appear as far south as Florida. The New York Times (NYT) reported, "Based on New York, air quality alerts have been issued over a wide area extending west to Indiana and south to the Carolinas," adding, "The wildfire impact is also expected to be confirmed across the Atlantic."
Foreign support, including from the United States, continues for Canada, where the worst wildfire disaster in history is ongoing. U.S. President Joe Biden stated in a statement that "millions of Americans are experiencing the effects of smoke from wildfires in Canada," and that "additional support will be provided to accelerate firefighting efforts in regions such as Quebec." Confirming a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he said, "I have directed the U.S. Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) to respond promptly to Canada's requests for firefighters and firefighting assets." He also added that this situation "vividly reminds us of the impacts of climate change."
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU) Commission, announced that France, Portugal, and Spain will dispatch more than 280 firefighters to Canada. South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand have also agreed to assist in wildfire suppression. According to the Canadian Wildfire Information System, about 450 fires have occurred in Canada. In Quebec alone, more than 100 wildfires are confirmed to be out of control.
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