President Joe Biden is sending reinforcements to put out the fires in Quebec, while smoke from these fires continues to unnerve Americans by affecting the quality of their air. A gesture welcomed by Prime Minister Legault.
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American reinforcements will arrive in Quebec on Tuesday to help firefighters who have been battling wildfires for many days.
A total of 124 American fighters will head for Abitibi.
“I thank US President Joe Biden and the American people for their help!” François Legault also mentioned on Twitter.
I thank the President of the United States Joe Biden (@POTUS) and the American people for their help!
100 firefighters and a large fire protection team are planned for June 13-14.
14 New England wildland firefighters in Maniwaki and 10 others will arrive this week.— Francois Legault (@francoislegault) June 12, 2023
“100 firefighters and a large fire protection team are planned for June 13-14. 14 New England Wildland firefighters in Maniwaki and 10 others will arrive this week,” the prime minister said.
Important Impact
For several days, smoke from wildfires in Canada and Quebec has been affecting air quality in major American cities like New York.
A dense orange smog and a strong smell of coal filled the air in the Big Apple.
Last Wednesday, the White House called on vulnerable Americans to “take precautions” in light of deteriorating air quality on the east coast of the United States in the wake of violent fires in Canada.
A state of alert has even been declared in some cities because of air pollution, and many schools have foregone leisure activities or outdoor sports, for example. Even professional baseball games have been canceled.
Air travel was also slowed in New York due to smoke from Quebec. As during the pandemic, citizens are again wearing N95 masks to protect themselves from harmful fine dust particles.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
How high is the air quality index in your city and what health recommendations are derived from it?
Air Quality Index (AQI US)
101-150
Bad
sensitive people
AQI: GOOD
Great day to be active outside.
AQI: MODERATE
Some people may be particularly sensitive to particulate matter pollution
Particularly sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs of slowing down.
All the others : Great day to be active outside.
AQI: BAD for
sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung diseases, the elderly, children and young people, minorities and field workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness can indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
AQI: BAD
for each
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider moving or moving activities inward.*
All the others : Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: VERY BAD
Sensitive people: Avoid any physical activity outdoors. Postpone it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All the others : Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider moving or moving activities inward.*
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: CRITICAL
All the others : Avoid any physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and maintain reduced activity levels. Follow these tips to keep particulate matter levels low indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
Contacts in Quebec
Prime Minister Legault had asked his delegations, stationed in the major American centers, to set out and establish their contacts within the Biden administration.
After a few days, the White House finally confirmed last Thursday that it would be sending reinforcements to Canada, particularly Quebec, where the epicenter of the wildfires is.
More than 100 million Americans are affected by these air quality warnings.
– In collaboration with AFP
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