Where’s the smoke in Florida coming from? It’s a Canadian import — and can be dangerous
Hundreds of uncontrolled wildfires and thousands of acres ablaze in Canada aren’t just affecting Canada. The dangerous smoke has invaded the Sunshine State — bringing “unhealthy” air to parts of South Florida.
On Tuesday afternoon, North Broward experienced “unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.” The rest of Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties saw “moderate” air quality.
“Unhealthy for sensitive groups” is the third-worst level on the EPA’s six-level scale for air quality. Some residents may experience minimal health effects, with those in sensitive groups possibly being exposed to serious health issues.
Those include those with heart or lung diseases, older adults and kids, officials said. Forecasters are warning to limit time outside.
By Wednesday, most of South Florida was back to having “good” air quality. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection had issued an Air Quality Alert for Broward, Miami-Dade, and Collier Counties but that has since been lifted.
However, parts of western and southern Miami-Dade and Collier were still experiencing “moderate” air quality.
According to Canada’s government, about 500 uncontrolled active fires are burning. The fires’ smoke was carried across the western Atlantic, moving over much of the east coast U.S.
This story was originally published October 3, 2023 at 4:49 PM.
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