Several recent smoky inundations from the Ontario fires have clouded Gorham’s skies with smoke and ashy debris as well as large swaths of the midwest and eastern seaboard. An app called EPA Air Now, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, has been helpful.

AirNow is free, easy to use and updated frequently. It provides information about current air quality issues like ozone levels, smoke and particulate conditions. It gives a 2-day forecast, as well as information about the past 24 hours. Air quality measurements range from Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, and Very Unhealthy to Hazardous.

Version 4.2 now includes more information about fine-particle pollution in order to help the public better understand the smoke levels in their area and the actions they can take to reduce exposure.

If you are planning to travel out of state, you can bookmark up to six locations across the country.
The site always recommends that people stay tuned to local authorities for the latest information on wildfires, smoke and safety.