7/16/2026

The Cattaraugus County Health Department is advising residents to take precautions due to poor air quality resulting from smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada. Smoke from these fires has traveled into Western New York, resulting in elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can pose health risks to everyone, especially individuals in sensitive groups.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Department of Health issue Air Quality Health Advisories when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups or higher.

Limit Outdoor Activities

Residents are encouraged to limit the amount of time spent outdoors until air quality improves, especially during periods of heavy smoke. This includes:

•  Outdoor work

•  Hiking and other recreational activities

•  Boating, fishing, and swimming

•  Running, walking, biking, and other strenuous exercise

•  Youth sports and outdoor play

Protect Yourself from Smoke Exposure

To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and poor air quality:

•  Stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed.

•  If using a window air conditioner, set it to recirculate to avoid drawing outdoor air indoors.

•  Replace or clean filters in central air conditioning systems to improve indoor air quality.

•  If available, use a portable HEPA air purifier.

 Avoid activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as burning candles, using wood-burning stoves, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.

Individuals at Greatest Risk

The following groups are more likely to experience adverse health effects from wildfire smoke:

•  Children and teenagers. Older adults and Pregnant individuals

•  People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions

•  Individuals who exercise or work outdoors