Heavy smoke overtakes Northeast Ohio causing health concerns, closures

Heavy smoke overtakes <a href="https://healthylife7.com/jb-fitness-expanding-to-north-fresno-with-drive/” title=”JB Fitness expanding to north Fresno with drive”>Northeast Ohio causing health concerns, closures

Ideastream Public Media |
By
Zaria Johnson,
Published July 16, 2026 at 2:44 PM EDT

Heavy wildfire smoke from Canada entered Northeast Ohio Thursday morning, prompting a slew of advisories and closures due to poor air quality

The smoke contains PM 2.5, small particulate matter, that can cause throat irritation, congestion and shortness of breath for high and low risk individuals

“When we hit hazardous conditions, that is unhealthy for everyone,” said Christina Yoka with Cleveland’s Division of Air Quality. “So even healthy individuals, we encourage you to stay indoors where possible.”

Those at high risk include children, the elderly, pregnant people and those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, Yoka said

“They really need to pay attention to their bodies today and stay indoors as much as possible,” she said

The American Heart Association in Cleveland also released a statement urging individuals to pay attention to their bodies, warning that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70%

Many cities and businesses started announcing closures Thursday afternoon. The City of Cleveland posted on X that City Hall, Public Auditorium and Erieview would be closed for the remainder of the day. Akron Zoo also announced on Facebook that they would close at 1 p.m

This is the first time the region has experienced hazardous air quality conditions since the Canadian wildfires in 2023, Yoka said

“The wind is going from the northwesterly (direction), so it’s coming down and across the United States,” she said. “So yesterday our western neighbors were hit. Today and tomorrow is when we’re expected to get hit with it, and then … we’ll see where it goes from there.”

Cleveland residents and visitors are also feeling the effects of the thick smoke

“This smells like I just came out of a fire,” said Tom Straub, a firefighter from the Greater Pittsburgh region. “It’s not good.”

The division is encouraging employers to minimize non-essential outdoor actives, Yoka said. But she recommends wearing a fitted N-95 mask and taking frequent breaks if working outdoors

Those sheltering indoors should take precautions too. Air purifiers and air conditioners can help maintain healthy air quality inside, Yoka said

“Have an air purifier, you’re not burning any candles, so not causing any additional smoke, not using any unnecessary like sprays or anything like that,” she said. “Reduce your cooking if you have a gas stove.”

If indoor air quality worsens, Yoka recommends visiting recreation centers, cooling centers and local libraries for relief

The wildfire smoke is expected to last until Saturday, but Yoka said conditions change quickly

“There’s so many variables that contribute to that,” she said. “It’s important to pay attention to things like airnow.gov so that you have the most current and up-to-date information in terms of what that means for residents in Northeast Ohio.”