Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is issuing an air quality alert for Thursday, July 16, beginning at 6:00 AM through 11:00 PM. Counties affected are Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor Counties.
Wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to elevate concentrations of fine particulate matter pollution to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (code orange) on the Air Quality Index in Vermont. Please note that smoke concentrations may occur in the unhealthy range on an hourly basis for many locations in the state, especially in the late morning through afternoon hours. Wildfire smoke can cause a hazy or milky appearance in the sky and may be noticeable by smell at times. The air quality forecast will be updated on Saturday afternoon for conditions expected on Sunday.
What: Air Quality Alert issued for Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from Wildfire Smoke
Where: All areas of Vermont
When: Saturday, July 18
Impacts: Poor air quality and potential health concerns.
Who needs to be concerned: Sensitive groups which include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant people, and outdoor workers, as well as people who spend a lot of time outdoors and people experiencing homelessness. It is possible for anyone to experience symptoms of exposure such as scratchy eyes or throat, headache or coughing. These are signs to take it easy or move indoors.
What should I do: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. It’s OK to be active outdoors but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
To stay safe and informed, consider taking these actions:
- View up-to-date air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in Vermont at AirNow.gov.
- Limit exposure to air pollution:
- Find more information about how to stay safe from air pollution at www.healthvermont.gov/AirQuality
- Sign up for air quality alerts:
- VT-ALERT for emergency air quality alerts:
- Users will get an alert when there is poor air quality. The alert will include guidance on how users can protect themselves from poor air quality. Existing users may need to log in to their accounts to modify their settings to receive air quality alerts.
- Find the Air Quality alerts under Subscriptions, Health Alerts.
- EnviroFlash for daily air quality forecasts and alerts.
- VT-ALERT for emergency air quality alerts:
- Learn more:
- Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality
- Vermont DEC Air Quality and Climate Division (AQCD)
- AQCD Forecasts and Real-Time Conditions
- EPA AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
About the Department of Environmental Conservation
The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Department of Health
We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.
Visit HealthVermont.gov ─ Join us @healthvermont on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.
7.17.2026. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Website.
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Vermont Business Magazine