BOSTON — The Department of Environmental Protection has extended a statewide air quality alert effective until midnight Thursday. The initial alert had been set to expire Wednesday night.
The hazy skies and acrid smell are coming from more than 400 forest fires in Canada. The haze has covered much of the Northeast and while the worst of the smoke is running through western and central New York State southeast to the Atlantic Coast, much of New England is feeling the effects.
The smoke is expected to impact the air quality of Western Mass on Wednesday. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups that include people with heart or lung disease such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to ozone.
MassDEP is advising that people in sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. The state air quality site can be found here.
Everyone else should avoid strenuous activities and spend less time outdoors.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is rating air quality in the Berkshires as "unhealthy" for sensitive groups with North Berkshire having an air quality index of 150 and Central and South Berkshire 175. An air quality index over 200 is considered unhealthy for everyone.
The Tri-Town Boards of Health is recommending those with respiratory issues contact their physician.
Properly fitted N95 masks can filter out airborne particles such as dust, smoke and pollutants.
— New York Metro Weather (@nymetrowx) June 7, 2023
What's the smoke forecast?
* Another big plume will move into NYC this afternoon
* Could reach DC tonight into Thurs AM
* Another big plume in western Pa/Ohio may reach Mid-Atlantic Thurs night/Fri am
* Conditions may slowly improve after that
More: https://t.co/LgjN7mxogbpic.twitter.com/xPSlL6F78K
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) June 7, 2023
Worst air quality I've ever seen locally now in the western Catskills, Mohawk valley, and Capital Region, CODE PURPLE, Very Unhealthy. Limit time outdoors, keep windows closed pic.twitter.com/81eeLmYR9z
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Police Arrest Suspect in Walmart Armed Robbery
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The suspect in an armed robbery of the local Walmart is facing multiple charges, including for stealing a pickup truck.
The robbery occurred on Friday morning when Walmart employees contacted police around 7 a.m. to report a man had brandished a firearm at them and demanded money.
The suspect got into a red pickup and drove toward Church Street. Officers were quickly in the area and began to pursue the vehicle. The driver stopped the truck at Hillside Cemetery, and fled run on foot. A short foot pursuit ensued, and officers were able to apprehend the suspect quickly. One officer sustained injuries during the arrest but is expected to make a full recovery.
?The suspect was found in possession of a duffle bag containing an AR-15 pistol, with a 30-round high-capacity magazine containing 17 rounds. The suspect took approximately $5,400 in cash from Walmart, which was recovered. The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Bennington, Vt.
?This case is still under investigation by the North Adams Police Department, which commended the Walmart employees for their quick actions and attention to details that helped lead to "such a smooth and successful apprehension."
Police have not yet identified the suspect.
The charges associated with this incident include, but are not limited to: armed robbery while masked; use of a firearm in commission of a felony; armed career criminal; firearm, ammunition, loaded firearm possession without license; larceny of motor vehicle; assault and battery; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; failure to stop for police; and resisting arrest.
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The incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. and the southbound train is currently stopped behind the American Legion on American Legion Drive.
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