Plainfield — Smoke from hundreds of wildfires in eastern and central Canada, with some influence from fires in the northern Plains, has pushed a gray-orange haze over parts of New Hampshire and prompted state officials to warn residents to curb outdoor activity.
State declares air unhealthy for sensitive groups
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services upgraded its guidance Wednesday, replacing a Tuesday smoke advisory with a Code Orange that is effective across the state on Thursday. The designation means air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, people with lung disease and people who are active outdoors.
Health officials urged those groups to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. The department also cautioned that "even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities."
"For people with COPD or any respiratory disease, they're going to be feeling it today," said Dorian Rondeau, a Lebanon firefighter and paramedic helping a neighbor with outdoor work.
Locally visible signs — skies that took on an unusual color starting Tuesday and an odor of smoke reported by residents — reflected a rise in tiny particles in the air. The hazardous component is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Officials said the health risk is aggravated by relatively high humidity.
- Who is considered sensitive: children, older adults, people with lung disease, and those exerting themselves outdoors.
- What to do: limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially if you fall into a sensitive group.
- Why it matters: fine particles (PM2.5) can reach deep into the respiratory system and worsen conditions like asthma and COPD.
Practical impact around the region
Homeowners and workers reported a noticeable smell of smoke and muted sunlight. On Wednesday, Lebanon firefighter and landscaper Dorian Rondeau helped his Plainfield neighbor replace a picket fence and noted the difference the smoke made for people with respiratory conditions. "If it's like 85 degrees instead of 95 degrees, I'm happy," said neighbor Dan Cassedy, who said the overcast effect lowered the temperature but that he still noticed the smell.
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory level | Code Orange — Unhealthy for sensitive groups |
| Main pollutant | PM2.5 (particles < 2.5 micrometers) |
| Primary source | Fires in eastern/central Canada; some northern Plains influence |
Officials did not release a timetable for when air quality will improve. Residents concerned about symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness should follow existing medical guidance and seek care as needed. Those planning outdoor activities should check the Department of Environmental Services for updates and consider moving exertion indoors until conditions clear.
