WEATHER
Wildfire smoke in NY: Doctor explains who should stay inside and when to seek medical care
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Victoria E. FreileNew York Connect Team
July 17, 2026, 4:51 a.m. ET
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has once again drifted into New York, turning skies hazy and pushing air quality into unhealthy levels across much of the state
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory as elevated levels of fine particulate pollution are expected
Here’s what University of Rochester Medical Center pulmonologist Dr. Daniel Croft says New Yorkers should know
URMC doctor: ‘Unfortunately the wildfires are back’
“Unfortunately the wildfires are back,” Croft said
Croft recalled the widespread wildfire smoke that blanketed western New York in 2023, when Air Quality Index (AQI) values climbed above 280, creating some of the worst air quality in the nation
During that event, doctors saw an increase in patients experiencing respiratory problems, particularly people with asthma, chronic lung disease and heart conditions
“When there’s poor air quality, it places additional stress on the lungs and cardiovascular system,” Croft said, noting that people with existing medical conditions are especially vulnerable
Heat makes poor air quality even more dangerous
Croft said this week’s heat is adding another layer of concern
Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s and low 90s across much of New York this week
“High temperatures do worsen air pollutants,” Croft said. “It is particularly dangerous when there is high heat and high pollution.”
He acknowledged it’s frustrating to stay indoors during the short upstate summer but said it’s the safest choice while smoke levels remain elevated
“There are periods in summer where we need to slow down a bit and stay inside and just get past this,” he said
Check the AQI before heading outside
Croft recommends checking the Air Quality Index before spending extended time outdoors. Current conditions can be monitored at AirNow.gov and may change throughout the day
Who is most at risk?
Croft said the people most vulnerable to wildfire smoke include:
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with asthma or other lung diseases
- People with heart disease
How to protect yourself
- Check air quality before spending time outdoors.
- Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
- Stay indoors with windows closed whenever possible.
- Use air conditioning or an air purifier if available.
- Stay well hydrated.
If you must be outdoors, he recommends wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask to reduce exposure to fine smoke particles
When to seek medical care
If you or someone else develops severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain or significant shortness of breath, Croft recommends moving to a clean, air-conditioned environment immediately and seeking medical attention
“Get the person into a clean environment, such as a home, library or other air-conditioned building,” he said. “If they’re having an extreme reaction, seek medical care right away.”
