Smoke from Canadian wildfires returns to Massachusetts, ‘Air Quality Alert’ issued for region

After smoke from the Canadian wildfires sparked hazy skies and a strong smell across the region last week, another round from that large plume of smoke will impact the Bay State on Tuesday.

The air may have the smell of smoke at times on Tuesday, as Massachusetts environmental officials have issued an “Air Quality Alert” until midnight on Tuesday.

“AIR QUALITY: Smoke from Canadian wildfires over our region will likely elevate fine particle levels into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range over much of the State,” the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s forecast reads.

“An Air Quality Alert will be posted for these elevated PM2.5 levels for the midnight to midnight period Tuesday,” MassDEP added.

The significant smoke from the Canadian wildfires might lead to a hazy sun during the day.

Other states have also issued alerts due to the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, including the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

“Sensitive individuals include children and older adults; anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors,” the Granite State alert reads. “Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities.”

The other weather development on Tuesday will be scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Small hail and gusty winds will be possible with the strongest storms.

The storms are expected to be hit or miss, according to the National Weather Service.

“Greatest risk for this activity seems to be southeast of an Orange…to Fitchburg…to Boston line,” the National Weather Service’s forecast discussion reads. “Again though this activity will be hit or miss…so not everyone will get wet and the vast majority of the day will be rain free in a given location.”

A wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes in Nova Scotia is now contained, while a second wildfire remains out of control.

Nova Scotia’s natural resources department said the Tantallon fire northwest of Halifax is now under control, meaning it is not expected to grow but is not yet out.

The blaze broke out a week ago, forcing 16,000 people from their suburban homes and destroying some 200 structures, including 151 homes.

But in Shelburne County in southwest Nova Scotia, the wildfire continues to burn out of control. The blaze covered 97 square miles as of Sunday morning and has destroyed at least 50 homes and cottages.

Canadian soldiers and firefighters from abroad are now on the ground helping the effort to extinguish the blazes that have been burning in several parts of Nova Scotia for the past week.

Herald wire services were used in this report.