NEWARK URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS DURING AIR QUALITY ALERT DUE TO SMOKE FROM CANADIAN WILDFIRES
NEWARK URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS DURING AIR QUALITY ALERT DUE TO SMOKE FROM CANADIAN WILDFIRES,
IN EFFECT TODAY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, THROUGH 12 A.M. FRIDAY, JULY 17
Sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and young children, should limit outdoor activities and take extra precautions
Newark, NJ – July 15, 2026 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook are urging residents to take precautions during an Air Quality Alert issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), in effect today, Wednesday, July 15, through 12 a.m. Friday, July 17.
Due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach 150, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. Sensitive individuals, including those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and young children, should limit strenuous activity and time spent outdoors. During this period of unhealthy air, residents who go outside are strongly encouraged to wear masks (N95 or KN95) and cover their nose and mouth.
To protect against poor air quality, the NJDEP advises residents to:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Keep windows closed.
• Use an air purifier if available.
• If you must go outside, limit physical activity and wear a mask during extended exposure.
These precautions are especially important for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue to monitor air quality and issue updates as needed throughout the alert period.
For more information, please visit the NJDEP website at https://dep.nj.gov/airquality/
̶ NEWARK ̶
For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website www.newarknj.gov
