Smoke Continues to Be a Problem for DC Region

WASHINGTON — The region’s first air quality emergency this year continued on Thursday and is expected to linger into Friday as the wildfires causing the unhealthy air here continue to rage in parts of Canada.

At the White House on Wednesday, spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden was initially briefed on the wildfires a week ago and has been regularly updated on the situation since then.

She also said the U.S. has deployed over 600 firefighters and emergency management personnel as well as equipment, like water bombers, to the region in Quebec where the fires are burning.

“Our team here at the White House is in touch with the government of Canada … and we also have been in close touch with state and local leaders, including those in Michigan, Illinois and New York. 

“Multiple agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FEMA, are coordinating with state, local, and tribal governments to get timely and accurate information out to communities about local air quality conditions and what steps they can take to protect themselves,” Jean-Pierre said.

The White House spokeswoman said the administration is encouraging everyone in the impacted areas to continue to monitor the situation and listen to their state and local officials. 

“Check in on your neighbors, check in on your friends and your family,” she said. “Take precautions, especially if you have health conditions.”

Jean-Pierre also directed concerned citizens to AirNow.gov, where she said they could find real-time information about air quality and the precautions that can be taken to protect their health.

“Now, I know that for many communities out West, this is nothing new,” Jean-Pierre said. “They experience this every year.

“But it is certainly getting worse. It is yet another alarming example of the ways in which the climate crisis is disturbing our lives and our communities,” she said. “That’s why, from day one, President Biden has rightfully recognized the climate crisis … and made addressing it one of his top priorities.”

The Environmental Protection Agency said while there may be times during the day when the air quality isn’t hazardous — one reason it is important to monitor local conditions via AirNow.gov — its recommendation this morning was that everyone stay indoors.

It was also announced that Thursday’s Pride event on the White House South Lawn will be postponed until Saturday based on the projected air quality in the region.

And this was particularly the case for anyone — adults, children and teens — with heart or lung disease.

“Reduce your exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors,” the agency said.

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