DEFIANCE, OHIO – The Defiance County Health Department, Defiance County Emergency Management Agency, and Defiance County Commissioners are urging residents to limit time outdoors today as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to impact air quality across Ohio.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for all of Ohio, with air quality expected to reach the “Unhealthy and Hazardous” category in some areas due to elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke.
“Smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting air quality across Ohio, and today’s conditions may reach levels considered unhealthy,” said Julie Rittenhouse, Defiance County Emergency Management Director. “The Ohio EPA advises individuals in sensitive groups—including children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions—to avoid outdoor activities today. Everyone should limit prolonged or strenuous time outside until air quality improves.”
Air pollution at these levels can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk of experiencing health effects.
“Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with asthma or other lung diseases, those with heart disease, and individuals who work outdoors are especially vulnerable to poor air quality,” said Jessica West, Public Information Officer for the Defiance County Health Department. “If you or a loved one falls into one of these groups, we encourage you to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows closed, and monitor for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.”
Residents are encouraged to:
- Check current air quality conditions before spending time outdoors.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors whenever possible.
- Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke entering your home.
- Use air conditioning on recirculate mode, if available.
- Seek medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, wheezing, or symptoms that do not improve after moving indoors.
Defiance County Commissioner Dana Phipps emphasized the importance of taking the advisory seriously.
“The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority,” said Commissioner Phipps. “We are sharing this information so everyone in Defiance County is aware of today’s air quality concerns. Please take precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and help protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors until conditions improve.”
The advisory will remain in effect until air quality improves. Defiance County officials will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as they become available.
Residents can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts by visiting AirNow.gov. Follow the Defiance County Health Department on social media or call 419-784-3818 if you have any questions for the health department.
###
Contact: Jessica West, PIO
1300 E. Second St., Ste. 100
Defiance, OH. 43512
419-784-3818
jessica.west@defiancecohealth.org
