EXPLORE MORE:

Foul Air to Persist Until Saturday Night

July 17, 2026

red sun in fires — The sun appears orange-red as smoke fills the sky.

North Warren is in for at least one more day of unhealthy air, which is expected to worsen overnight Friday.

The onslaught of smoke and haze from Canadian wildfires is expected to be pushed out by a weather system bringing intense thunderstorms to the region Saturday afternoon and evening.

Delaware Water Gap on a sunny afternoon this past June. Photo by Joe Phalon.

A days-long series of intense storms brought havoc to the area two weekends ago, with much of the area experiencing power outages and downed trees blocking roads.

Meanwhile, as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to drift across the state and region causing unhealthy air quality levels and hazy skies, New Jersey Department of Health advises the public to limit outdoor exposure and to take steps to protect their health.

“I urge everyone to monitor their local air quality conditions, stay indoors as much as possible during this time, and know the symptoms of smoke inhalation,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, New Jersey Health Commissioner. “Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke and poor air quality poses real health risks. Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms, including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat or have difficulty breathing when air quality reaches the unhealthy levels currently affecting New Jersey.”

The same spot this week during a “sunny” day, brought to you by Canada wildfire smoke. Photo by Joe Phalon.

Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other material. Particles from wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems and other adverse health outcomes, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, respiratory disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD) or other chronic health conditions.

People at a higher risk should take protective actions, which include the following steps:

Stay indoors with windows and doors closed and use air conditioning (with fresh air intake closed and a clean filter) or air purifiers.
Prevent further indoor air pollution by not smoking, using candles, sprays or vacuuming.
People who must be outside, or if it is not possible to avoid exposure to wildfire smoke, can have some protection using an N95 mask if worn properly.
Limit outdoor, high-exertion activities or shift them indoors.

Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joe brings decades of journalism experience to the Ridge View Echo, covering everything from local school boards to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former National Law Journal editor and Columbia Law School press officer, he now enjoys telling community stories in Blairstown, where he lives with his wife, Rose, and their two dachshunds.