You might have noticed a campfire-like smell when stepping out to start your day this morning. But it’s not lingering from a neighbor’s backyard barbecue or even from a nearby blaze.
As you’ve likely heard, wildfires originating hundreds of miles away in central Canada—coupled with an unfortunate storm system—have caused smoke and haze to migrate in a southeast directional pattern and fill skies across the Mid-Atlantic.
What does this mean for Baltimore? Our air quality is currently estimated between 180 and 190, an unhealthy index—especially for youth and seniors. The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for the Baltimore, Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Southern Maryland regions, urging residents to stay inside as much as possible through Thursday. If you need to go outside, especially if you’re doing strenuous activity, experts suggest wearing an N95 or KN95 mask with built-in filters.
Unsurprisingly, Baltimoreans have been sounding off on Twitter about what this means for our daily routines, as well as the larger environmental impact. Here’s what some had to say:
Smokey sunrise again - but today you can smell the smoke in the air. Happy hazy hump day in Baltimore 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/JPcmUXflHx
— Isabel22 (@isabel_cumming) June 7, 2023
That air quality tho pic.twitter.com/lLJnE5lj0g — Alli (@_alli_smith) June 7, 2023
Good morning Baltimore! Haze from Canadian wildfires blots out the sun in the harbor! pic.twitter.com/DTbQTbG5q5 — Paul B DeWolfe (@paulbdewolfe) June 7, 2023
This is all foreshadowing for how the season will go for the Orioles. Will be hard to ignore. https://t.co/uNrEAzLCrS — MacArthur For Baltimore (@BaltoSpectator) June 7, 2023
Y’all this is no joke. Limit time outside as much as possible. Consider a mask if you’re outside today. Air quality index is 192 downtown, around 180 where I live in North Baltimore. Anything above 150 is unhealthy and above 200 is “very” unhealthy. pic.twitter.com/ysb5mTZgQ4 — Cody Boteler (@codyboteler) June 7, 2023
Loving the air out there! It's like sitting next to a campfire, except there's no camp, no visible fire, no s'mores, and no one is having any fun. — Max Weiss (@maxthegirl) June 7, 2023
Baltimore right now: pic.twitter.com/3jmeZ8zgK9 — sh1 (@shall001) June 7, 2023
This is what it looks like in Maryland air quality is horrible. This is from the fires in Canada. Wear a mask if you go outside. pic.twitter.com/RbUQqx7Zao — One Better Day (@OneBetterDay) June 7, 2023
The air quality in coastal Maryland is going downhill fast. 8:30 am and you can really smell the smoke, even just a few blocks from the Bay.
We’ve got all the air purifiers running and masks at the ready. 😷 💨 pic.twitter.com/d0mkr8oXVU — Wendy Bohon, PhD 🌏 (@DrWendyRocks) June 7, 2023
Yesterday, MDE forecast unhealthy air quality for today due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Air quality is currently at unhealthy levels in areas of MD. ... pic.twitter.com/eUQiLc2D6S — MD Environment (@MDEnvironment) June 7, 2023
You can really smell the smoke today. And the skies are really hazy. This is smoke from the wildfires in Canada, and it's causing unhealthy pollution levels in Baltimore today. You can minimize symptoms by avoiding outdoor exercise, and keeping your windows shut. @wbaltv11 pic.twitter.com/fLVPkBU1VC — Ava Marie (@AvaWBAL) June 7, 2023
Heads up Maryland: Due to smoke from wildfires up north, the air quality today is hazardous – especially for those with heart and lung conditions.
Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do have to be outdoors, a N95 or KN95 mask can be worn for protection. https://t.co/fkcwUqTgWX — Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) June 7, 2023
This is the impact of climate crisis being seen in real time. Today, we’re monitoring and will continue provide any relevant updates. But, together, we must take collective action to help confront the root cause of these climate disasters. — Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) June 7, 2023