# How's the air you breathe today? Can you smell the smoke from the wildfires in Quebec? (June 2023) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 7, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158 "2023-06-07T17:21:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/1 "2023-06-07T17:21:01Z")
I’m in Central Jersey and it is a hazy day out. It has been like this since yesterday afternoon. When I went outside I smelled a strong scent of wood smoke and figured that it must be from a nearby bonfire or perhaps a house fire. Nope. This is smoke coming to the Eastern US from Canadian wildfires in Quebec. So how about you, is it hazy where you are? Can you smell the smoke? ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/2 "2023-06-07T17:23:10Z")
I’m in NorthEast Philly. Yes, I was out last night to run some errands. The air was hazy and smelled of smoke. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/3 "2023-06-07T17:24:34Z")
In Cleveland there’s definite haze, especially in the morning, but no smoke smell. Spectacular sunsets, of course. It’s been very windy here so the haze isn’t as bad mid-day. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/4 "2023-06-07T17:26:21Z")
NYC right now and it is seriously hazy. Like a light fog, where equipment on our property that is normally just right there is obscured. Not a heavy pea soup kind of fog, but it’s clearly not clear. Sun was very red in the morning, way past sunrise. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/5 "2023-06-07T17:28:34Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > Nope. > > This is smoke coming to the Eastern US from Canadian wildfires in Quebec. Nope. This is smoke coming to the Eastern US from New Jersey ‘wildfires’ in New Jersey. [![](https://www.nj.com/resizer/GNx0N8TM3k38J8APDK50RWeQPww=/1280x0/filters:focal(408x75:418x65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/FDXRNTOOKRBKVFW27G7QMHREWU.jpg) ](https://www.nj.com/resizer/GNx0N8TM3k38J8APDK50RWeQPww=/1280x0/filters:focal(408x75:418x65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/FDXRNTOOKRBKVFW27G7QMHREWU.jpg) [https://www.google.com/search?q=nj+wildfire+today&source=lmns&bih=610&biw=1228&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiFxNSt1rH\_AhUZFlkFHa4YCJQQ0pQJKAB6BAgBEAI](https://www.google.com/search?q=nj+wildfire+today&source=lmns&bih=610&biw=1228&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiFxNSt1rH_AhUZFlkFHa4YCJQQ0pQJKAB6BAgBEAI) ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/6 "2023-06-07T17:28:57Z")
Yeah, and the smell is pretty nasty. Not like a wood-burning smell at all. What are they burning up there?? ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/7 "2023-06-07T17:29:35Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > This is smoke coming to the Eastern US from New Jersey ‘wildfires’ in New Jersey. What? No it isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/8 "2023-06-07T17:33:30Z")
real bad here in Syracuse. At 351 (which is hazardous). Extremely hazy and smoky. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/9 "2023-06-07T17:35:48Z")
Now 438. Yikes. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/10 "2023-06-07T17:36:26Z")
Not the case. The fires in NJ are small potatoes in comparison. Surely I am smelling the aroma of both, but the Quebec smoke is covering the East Coast. From [here](https://www.nj.com/weather/2023/06/nj-weather-wildfire-smoke-to-cause-dangerous-air-quality-darken-skies-again-today.html): > The[hazy, smoky conditions and poor air quality](https://www.nj.com/weather/2023/06/why-is-the-air-so-smoky-and-hazy-in-nj-right-now.html) in New Jersey produced by Canadian wildfires are expected to cause poor air quality around the state again Wednesday and could worsen later today, the National Weather Service sad. > > While forecasters anticipate some relief from the haze and smoke this morning “an additional plume of thick smoke should spread south into the area later this afternoon and evening.” Further down: > In addition to hundreds of wildfires in Canada making the air in New Jersey unhealthy, firefighters continue to battle a [wildfire in Jackson that grew to 70 acres](https://www.nj.com/ocean/2023/06/nj-wildfire-threatening-homes-now-70-contained.html) and is 70% contained as of Wednesday morning. > > About 30 structures in the area of East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road were threatened, the state forest fire service said late Tuesday. ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/11 "2023-06-07T17:36:51Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Now 438. > > Yikes. Wow–that is high ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/12 "2023-06-07T17:36:52Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > This is smoke coming to the Eastern US from New Jersey ‘wildfires’ in New Jersey. [Not according to CNN.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2023-wildfire-thread/984272/13) ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/13 "2023-06-07T17:37:01Z")
It has gotten much worse in the last hour or so. I’m right near the Hudson and I can’t see NJ. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/14 "2023-06-07T17:38:14Z")
Yeah, that map mislead me and I thought the NJ fires were bigger than they are. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/15 "2023-06-07T17:39:45Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I’m right near the Hudson and I can’t see NJ. I guess there’s a silver lining to this, after all. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/16 "2023-06-07T17:40:39Z")
Just a DIY IAQ FYI: Last time we got smacked, I employed a [**20" box fan**](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Speed-Box-20-Inch/dp/B08XKC9K14) to which I taped a [**4" furnace filter**](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QL762O). It did a _really_ good job with our indoor air quality. Otherwise, if you can, switch your air handler (on your thermostat) from “AUTO” to “ON.” The fan will run continuously and draw indoor air through your furnace filter. Then change the filter when the smoke clears. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/17 "2023-06-07T17:41:51Z")
Western MA – weird and hazy, doesn’t smell of smoke but the light is a little uncanny. We are in danger zone in air quality (sensitive breathers beware). Tomorrow should be much better they say. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/18 "2023-06-07T17:44:38Z")
Haha! I usually take a ferry across the river, but today might be a good day to take the PATH. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/19 "2023-06-07T17:45:38Z")
Definitely a visible haze, and a very mild smell, here in Arlington VA. And air quality alerts from the county. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2023, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158/20 "2023-06-07T17:46:04Z")
Anyone wondering what their local air quality is, this site reports real-time air quality index (AQI) from meters all over the world: > **[Chỉ số chất lượng không khí theo thời gian thực tại 100+ quốc gia](https://aqicn.org/city/all/)** > > How polluted is the air today? Check out the real-time air pollution map, for more than 100 countries. Type in your city name, and you’ll get a map showing AQI measurements for your city/region. Ann Arbor hit 160 (“unhealthy”) during the night last night, but currently is at ~84 (“moderate”). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-the-air-you-breathe-today-can-you-smell-the-smoke-from-the-wildfires-in-quebec-june-2023/985158.md?page=2)