Neighboring cities and towns, including Weston, Salem, Milton, Beverly, Middleton are battling overnight brush fires, which are contributing to poor air quality in Newton and Brookline.
According to Public Information Officer at the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Jake Ward, everyone should exercise caution with any outdoor heat source.
“This includes smoking materials, power equipment, and ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves,” Ward said in an email to The Gator. “The dry, sunny, breezy weather is great for recreation but it also means that any outdoor fire will spread quickly and become difficult to extinguish.”
The Brookline Department of Health and Human Services also posted on its town website this morning, North Shore wildfires are causing poor air quality in Brookline.
“The National Weather Service has noted has noted that local weather conditions are holding the smoke close to the ground. Fortunately, conditions are expected to improve as the morning progresses,” the town’s website says.
In the meantime, Brookline officials advise schools and daycare centers to keep students indoors until air quality improves.
According to U.S. Air Quality Index, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers should “choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard, shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors, and be active outdoors when air quality is better.”
Additionally, in an email to faculty and staff, Head of School Judith Guild said, “I am sure you do not need to be told air quality is poor. If you have an air purifier, please turn it on high.”
Director of Health Services Beth Escobar also discussed the measures put in place to protect students.
“I haven’t received any directives from the state or from the Boards of Health in Newton or Brookline about staying indoors today,” Escobar said. “Tom [Bray] and his team have put boxes of masks around campus should you care to wear one. Your health is important!”
Editors’ note: This is a developing story. Please check in for updates throughout the day, including from the School. This story was updated at 1:56 p.m. today to include a comment from Head of School Judith Guild.
