New York is experiencing the worst effects from wildfires in over two decades, a state Department of Environmental Conservation official said at a virtual news conference Tuesday. Share 10 articles every 30 days with anyone — paywall-free! SHARE NOW
Margaret LaFarr, assistant director of the Division of Air Resources at the DEC, said air conditions have not been this bad since smoke from Canadian wildfires swept across the state in 2002.
“We are looking at an unprecedented fire season here — certainly unprecedented level of fire in the Canadian regions,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Today the sky is hazy. Visibility is terrible. And you can smell the smoke in the air.”
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Central New York has the most polluted air in New York right now because of the thick haze of smoke from Canada wildfires.
That is expected to linger all day and likely into Wednesday as smoke streams in from fires in Quebec, the National Weather Service said.
An air quality alert has been issued for the second consecutive day. People with lung and cardiovascular problems are urged to stay indoors.
Schools across Central New York are keeping kids indoors and canceling outdoor activities. The Syracuse Fire Department is asking people not to call in a possible house fire simply if they smell smoke.
Onondaga County health officials urged residents to stay inside and close windows.
A train carrying ethanol derailed and caught fire in western Minnesota on Thursday morning, prompting an evacuation for residents near the crash site in the city of Raymond.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office was notified of the derailment at about 1 a.m. local time, according to a statement. The BNSF-operated train derailed on the western edge of Raymond but was still within the city limits.
Twenty-two cars carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed, and four are on fire, BNSF told NPR in a statement. About 10 of the railcars contained ethanol, an official with the railroad said. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
