July 15, 2026 - Air Quality Alert

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a statewide Air Quality Alert in Connecticut due to wildfire smoke from southern Ontario. The alert is in effect from July 15 through July 16. 

Thick wildfire smoke from southern Ontario is spreading across the state, creating hazy skies and reduced visibility to about 3-6 miles in parts of the state. 

According to the National Weather Service, smoke may be thickest late Wednesday, July 15, afternoon and evening, with additional smoke expected Thursday, July 16.

The Town of East Hartford Health Department is encouraging residents to reduce their exposure to unhealthy air quality conditions.

The Town of East Hartford Health Department is advising residents that local air quality conditions are currently deemed unhealthy. Smoke exposure may cause breathing difficulty, throat irritation and itchy eyes.

Certain groups of the population may be at higher risk than others. Those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should take these steps to reduce exposure:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities short.
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

Everyone else should take any of these steps to reduce exposure:

• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when the air quality is better.

Children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart and lung conditions are most at risk for experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution.  Even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors for work or exercise should minimize their outdoor exposure as current air quality conditions can impact those not considered vulnerable.

Individuals can visit www.AirNow.gov and search the current air quality for their zip code or do the same by downloading the mobile AirNow app. If residents have questions regarding your risk of experiencing symptoms or recommendations, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. The Town will continue to monitor air quality conditions and share updates.

READ MORE: portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Air/Forecasting/AQI/Air-Quality-Index.