The Town of Wilton has closed all outdoor town-sponsored activities beginning at noon today, Thursday, July 16, because of unhealthy air quality caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Wilton Director of Health Barrington A. Bogle ordered the closure after the Connecticut Department of Public Health forecast air quality to reach the “unhealthy” category Thursday, with conditions potentially deteriorating to “very unhealthy.”
According to state officials, smoke concentrations near the ground are expected to peak late Thursday and into the evening before winds shift Friday morning and improve conditions.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health advises children, older adults and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions to remain indoors and avoid outdoor activity. Officials also recommend that even healthy adults limit prolonged outdoor work or exercise because elevated smoke levels can affect anyone.
Residents can check current air quality conditions and forecasts at AirNow.gov.
Health officials also recommend wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask if spending time outdoors while smoky conditions persist.
The closure applies to Town of Wilton-sponsored outdoor activities. Residents should check directly with private organizations, camps and sports leagues regarding the status of their own outdoor events.
The Wilton YMCA announced that it will close all of its outdoor aquatic areas (50M Pool, Splash Pad, and Pond) starting at 3:30 p.m.
According to Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield, private organizations make their own decisions based on their individual emergency plans.
