Monroe County officials in New York on Thursday closed the Seneca Park Zoo and all county parks – including the swimming beach at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte – due to the poor air quality in the region from Canadian wildfires.
The hazy orange-yellow hue of skies across New York will remain today as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move into the region, bringing unhealthy air quality and a dystopian feel.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation extended an Air Quality Health Advisory through midnight Thursday, July 16. As of noon, Rochester’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 235
County officials on Thursday also said they will reassign “all employees who typically work outdoors” to indoor tasks. Crews from the county’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services will respond to outdoor emergency situations only, county officials said late Thursday morning.
The Monroe County Department of Public Health and Office of Emergency Management will continue to review air quality index forecasts daily to determine whether or not to close county facilities.
Seneca Park Zoo
According to a news release from the county, Seneca Park Zoo staff will bring as many of the animals housed at the 20-acre zoo indoors in order to ensure the animals are protected from the poor air quality. Children participating in the zoo’s day camp will also be moved indoors.
Zoo officials said they expect to reopen and operate normally on Friday, July 17.
County parks, golf courses, swimming beach
County officials also closed all Monroe County parks, including county-operated golf courses at Genesee Valley Park, Durand-Eastman Park and the Churchville golf course.
The swimming beach and spray park at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte were also closed due to the air quality.
Movies at ESL Ballpark canceled
Additionally, the scheduled “Movies in the Park at ESL Ballpark” for Thursday night was cancelled. The free movie (Rocky) was one of several free movies scheduled for the summer. The next such event (Zootopia 2) is scheduled to take place at dusk on Friday, July 24 at the Seneca Park Zoo.
What do the AQI numbers mean?
How to check your area’s AQI in New York
Current AQI readings are available at AirNow.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s official air quality website.
Enter your ZIP code or city to view the latest air quality conditions and hourly forecasts for your area. AQI values can change throughout the day as smoke shifts with changing winds.
See current air quality conditions where you live now: Check now
Several AQI numbers around western New York as of noon on July 16 are:
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County closes parks, Seneca Park Zoo as wildfire smoke worsens air quality
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
