BOSTON — The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert effective for Friday for Berkshire County.

 

The alert also covers Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester counties.

 

Smoke from Canadian wildfires will affect the region through Friday night. The region woke up to hazy skies Friday morning that spread over the Northeast and as far south as Washington, D.C.

 

Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups 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 air pollution.

 

MassDEP advises people in sensitive groups to 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 wildfires have burned nearly 10 million acres in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. As of Wednesday, the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System reported 178 uncontrolled burns and nearly 350 being held or under control.