Multiple New Jersey school districts limiting outdoor activities due to poor air quality
The state's advice to everyone is to limit strenuous outdoor activities as well as time outside or use an N95 mask.
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Schools around New Jersey are cancelling recess and other outdoor activities due to the poor air quality throughout the state.
Several municipalities across North Jersey issued advisories to residents, including Newark as well as other school districts like Clifton, South Orange, Maplewood, Freehold and West Orange. The state's advice to everyone is to limit strenuous outdoor activities as well as time outside or use an N95 mask.
Schools in the Jersey City, Clifton and South Orange Maplewood school districts were among those canceling all outdoor activities and sports Wednesday.
Hoboken officials also postponed any permitted activities in outdoor city-owned facilities for the rest of Wednesday and Thursday. All of the town's outdoor recreation programs are cancelled tomorrow as well.
RELATED: Hazy skies in New Jersey as air quality remains unhealthy. Here are some tips to protect yourself
An air quality alert remains in place Wednesday for all of New Jersey as wildfires continue to burn in Canada. Wildfires in New Jersey have also contributed to the poor air quality. In Jackson Township, a wildfire left 50 acres scorched Tuesday. The fire is now 70% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to fire officials.
"It has been a long season with nine wildfires in a typical year of four to five wildfires,” says NJ Forest Fire Service Chief Greg McLaughlin.
RELATED: Canadian wildfires cause poor air quality conditions in New Jersey
There are over 400 wildfires burning in Canada. The smoke is covering a third of the lower U.S. and is affecting 16 states, including New Jersey.
The state Department of Environmental protection declared Wednesday an air quality action day for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Union counties. That means the air quality is unhealthy especially for sensitive groups: people with lung and heart conditions, asthma and the elderly. These groups should limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors.
For additional information, visit www.njaqinow.net.
