New York City can ‘smell smoke’ from Canadian wildfires: What is allowed, what is not?

The smoke and fumes of the Canadian wildfires reached New York City on Tuesday. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a health advisory as people complained that they can ‘smell’ smoke.

“It’s no secret that New York is facing extraordinary air quality conditions right now. Most New Yorkers – all New Yorkers – have seen the conditions out in the field today: The sky is hazy, visibility is terrible and you can smell the smoke in the air,” Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said during a press conference. The Yankees vs Chicago White Sox game was also affected by smoke.

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Hochul in a press release provided key updates. New York City as of Tuesday has the worst air quality of any city – in the world – and the Canadian wildfires have a huge role to play.

NYC’s air quality index soared above 150 on Tuesday, according to IQair. This level of pollution is “unhealthy” for sensitive groups like the elderly, young children and those with respiratory issues. Hochul asked New Yorkers to avoid going outdoors.

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“When many New Yorkers walked outside today, the hazy skies caused by wildfire smoke were hard to miss. New York State experts are monitoring our air quality every day to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information about current air quality in their communities and what they can do to protect themselves. I encourage New Yorkers, especially those sensitive to air quality, to take appropriate steps to help limit risk of exposure,” the Governor said.

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The press release added that those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their personal physician. Lake Ontario Plains, Leatherstocking Region, and Southern Tier have been placed in a “high” fire danger rating, which means that all ‘fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires’.

Open burning is prohibited in New York, with these exceptions:

Campfires or any other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
Small cooking fires are allowed.
Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed. Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.