Town Fields Closed, Outdoor Activities & Events Cancelled; Bike Playground Opening Postponed

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Newtown Parks & Recreation has canceled outdoor events and activities, and closed Town fields, in response to the current air quality.

In an email blast received around midday, the department noted that due to the "many organizations that serve our community, with a particular focus on our most vulnerable — children, elderly and those who may be more susceptible due to their health status — a decision has been made to limit outdoor exposure especially involving increased exertion (running, biking, play).

"It certainly is voluntary on an individual basis, but with an abundance of caution, activities that involve bringing groups together without knowing individual risk are being canceled or postponed."

All outdoor sports and related events have been canceled. This afternoon's Bicycle Playground Opening special event has been postponed to Thursday, June 22, at 5 pm.

Eichler's Cove beach and Treadwell Pool and Park are closed for the remainder of the day.

CT DEEP's Air Quality Index went from Moderate-Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on Tuesday to Unhealthy today.

The state's Air Quality Index link can be monitored here: portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Air/Forecasting/AQI/Air-Quality-Index

The Associated Press has been reporting on the intense Canadian wildfires, which "are blanketing the northeastern US in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside."

The effects of hundreds of wildfires burning across the western provinces to Quebec could be felt as far away as New York City and New England, blotting out skylines and irritating throats.

US authorities have issued air quality alerts. Hazy conditions and smoke from the wildfires are being reported across the Great Lakes region from Cleveland to Buffalo.

Smoke from Canada's wildfires has been moving into the United States since last month. The most recent fires near Quebec have been burning for at least several days. The Quebec-area fires are big and relatively close, about 500 to 600 miles (roughly 800 to 970 kilometers) away from Rhode Island.

Smoke from the fires has wafted through northeast US states for weeks, but it's only recently been noticeable in most places. The US Environmental Protection Agency said hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke will linger for a few days in northern states.

Also today, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has postponed state lacrosse and tennis tournament games due to the air quality concerns.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is forecasting unhealthy levels for the entire state because of the fires.

What Can Be Done Now?

It's a good time to put off that yard work and outdoor exercise. If going outside, consider wearing an N95 mask to reduce exposure to pollutants, the AP suggests.

Stay inside, keeping your doors, windows and fireplaces shut. It's recommended that you run the air conditioning on a recirculation setting.

Dr David Hill, a pulmonologist in Waterbury and a member of the American Lung Association's National Board of Directors, told the AP now is a good time to check HVAC filters.

"If you have filters on your home HVAC system, you should make sure they’re up-to-date and high quality," Hill said. "Some people, particularly those with underlying lung disease, or heart disease, should consider investing in air purifiers for their homes."

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at [email protected].