For Immediate Release

AUGUSTA, July 15, 2025 — Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)’ level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

This morning, USG levels of particle pollution are being reported in the Northern region of Maine due to wildfire smoke. Particle pollution values averaged in the USG range just west of Maine in Quebec yesterday. Hourly values in Quebec continue to be in the USG range this morning. Smoke is expected to continue moving into Maine from Quebec as westerly winds become prevalent this afternoon. The remainder of the state is expected to reach the Moderate range.

Currently, the dense portion of the plume should move out on Wednesday, but the smoke is not projected to leave Maine until Thursday. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution on Wednesday and Thursday. Air quality meteorologists will monitor the situation and update Wednesday’s forecast this afternoon.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation.  In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects.  Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
• Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
• Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

• Maine CDC asthma prevention and control
• USEPA's asthma control and management
• AIRNOW for smoke impacted areas

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

• Maine DEP’s Air Quality Forecast
• Maine DEP's Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-223-1196
• USEPA’s EnviroFlash email and text alert system
• USEPA’s AIRNOW Fire and Smoke Map
• USEPA’s AIRNOW Mobile App
• Governor Mill’s “Wildfires and Air Quality” online resource

For more information go to Maine DEP’s air quality web site.