Montpelier, Vermont – Vermont’s skies turned hazy Saturday as wildfire smoke from Canada pushed fine particulate pollution into unhealthy territory across the state. The Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 p.m.
According to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, AQI levels reached Code Red in counties including Franklin, Essex, Washington, and Caledonia, while southern counties such as Bennington and Windham are under Code Orange. Sensitive groups—including children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart disease—should limit outdoor activity.
Residents in Burlington, Rutland, and Brattleboro may experience coughing, shortness of breath, or fatigue. The Vermont Department of Health urges everyone to take breaks during physical exertion and avoid prolonged exposure outside.
While the haze should begin to lift late Saturday, another shift in wind direction could bring more smoke Sunday. Real-time air updates are available at dec.vermont.gov/air-quality/local-air-quality-forecasts.
