FINGER LAKES, NY (607NewsNow) — Wildfires in Canada are projected to produce heavy smoke that will travel across the Midwest and Northeast US, encompassing the Finger Lakes region.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), “New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, for the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York counties due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. In addition, there is the potential for visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and New Yorkers may see temporary spikes in smoke-related pollution.”

The counties under the Air Quality Health Advisory are:

  • Northern Cayuga
  • Jefferson
  • Monroe
  • Oswego
  • Wayne
  • Allegany
  • Broome
  • Southern Cayuga
  • Chemung
  • Chenango
  • Cortland
  • Delaware
  • Southern Herkimer
  • Livingston
  • Madison
  • Onondaga
  • Oneida
  • Ontario
  • Otsego
  • Tioga
  • Tompkins
  • Schuyler
  • Seneca
  • Steuben
  • Yates
  • Cattaraugus
  • Chautauqua
  • Erie
  • Genesee
  • Niagara
  • Orleans
  • Wyoming

Short-term exposure to fine particulate matters can cause coughing, runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, and irritation to the eyes, throat, and nose. Prolonged exposure can worsen medical conditions such as heart disease and asthma. The NYSDEC recommends residents to “minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.”

Learn more about the Air Quality Health Advisory on the NYSDEC website here.