Wildfire smoke and air quality updates: Northeast flights disrupted

Air quality alerts have been issued for states across the Northeast.

Last Updated: June 8, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT

Hazy and dangerous fumes from ongoing wildfires in Canada have engulfed the skies over much of the East Coast, prompting serious air quality alerts in over a dozen states.

Canadian officials said firefighters are scrambling to put out the blazes. So far this wildfire season, Canada has seen more than 8.7 million acres burned -- an area larger than the state of Vermont.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Jun 08, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT

What you need to know about the dangers of inhaling wildfire smoke

Air quality is measured by the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500. A higher level indicates a greater level of pollution and health concern.

Levels under 100 are generally considered safe.

Totals were over 400 in New York City on Wednesday.

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People walk in Central Park as smoke from wildfires in Canada turn skies a hazy orange, June 7, 2023, in New York City.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Jun 08, 2023, 12:23 PM EDT

White House postpones Pride event

The White House has postponed the Pride celebration set to take place on the South Lawn on Thursday due to the unhealthy air quality.

The largest-ever White House Pride celebration will now take place on Saturday afternoon.

A view of The White House shrouded in haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada, in Washington, D.C., June 8, 2023.
Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Reuters

People wear masks outside the White House as hazy skies caused by Canadian wildfires affect the area, June 8, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Jun 08, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT

Nationals game in DC postponed

Thursday's MLB game in Washington, D.C., between the Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks has been postponed due to the air quality.

The makeup game will be held on June 22.

Jun 08, 2023, 11:11 AM EDT

National Zoo closes as dangerous air hits DC

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is closed on Thursday as dangerous smoke moves through the capital.

"Today's air quality is extremely unhealthy," the Department of Energy & Environment warned. "Everyone should stay indoors as much as possible, especially sensitive groups such as children, elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions like asthma and bronchitis."

The sun rises behind the Washington Monument and a thick layer of smoke, June 8, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
Julio Cortez/AP

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