As long as we have this bad air quality situation,

[Wicked Blue]

why don't state and local governments in the northeastern US issue temporary bans on the use of wood-burning fireplaces, charcoal grills, campfires and other sources of particulates?

Why can't we have a few restrictions on driving, just for a couple of days?

Why can't incinerators be shut down for the duration?

During droughts, governments impose restrictions on watering lawns and other not-so necessary water uses.

It seems to me that federal, state, county and local governments need to start being quickly responsive to poor air quality conditions.

It's going to get worse in the future, and we need ways to mitigate the effects.

[CentralMass]

1. It's a good thought but I suspect it won't put a dent in improving

the AQI in this situation. We have experienced this sort of apocalyptic air quality situation in the PNW several times in recent year. Putting out the fires and or a change in the weather pattern are needed.

[yorkster]

2. In our area of southern Maine, there have been countless

times where we had to quickly close the windows due to smoke or smell of smoke quickly filling the house. Usually it's someone's fire pit or grill. The prevailing wind brings it right to us. And usually it's not a light campfire smell, it's a strong reek of creosote or someone burning junk pine.

Nothing compared to what's going on now, but we got heat pumps/splitters so we could have windows closed and not cook, so to speak.

Fairly often, someone decides to have an outdoor fire
when it's already a hot, humid day just starting to cool down.

I agree to a point with what you're saying. But the campfire/backyard fire pit is a hard nut to crack.
Surely, there should environmental and air quality conditions that indicate a no -fire period.
I can't imagine what the current situation would be like if we were also in the middle of a real heat wave...

You're right - it's going to get worse. States and municipalities may need to take some unpopular but necessary decisions.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. I'm hoping our Borough

Will ban fireworks until conditions approve. We have perfect conditions for fast moving fires, no rain for a month, and a 1.17 square mile Borough filled with historic homes of wood and major tree cover.

[Wicked Blue]

4. This too

We've had hardly any rain for weeks in central Maryland

[CentralMass]

5. Just a note that the smoke is coming from 500 miles a way from NYC.

The bans you suggest most likely wouldn't improve the AQI much.

[JustAnotherGen]

8. If you look at Central NJ

We are under wildfire watch. So yes I know precisely where its coming from -

But after Jackson PJ's fire - and looking at the hazel might be a good time to ban them until we can get rain.

[roamer65]

6. Nah, no climate crisis. Just a big lie.

The positive of this may be it drills it into some ignorant skulls.

[PufPuf23]

7. Went to the medical clinic for planned reasons this AM.

Little different situation than most. Located within a National Forest where primary management is as territory of a Native American Tribe and now fire more than historically. I am multigeneration local but not NA and old and various health problems. General provider clinic is Indian Health Services and must travel several hours for cancer and other major stuff.

This AM the waiting room at clinic was stacked with boxes of air purifiers. Was offered one for free and said already have an air purifier. Was told these were special air purifiers and could be linked at my option to wiki. "Are you going to spy on me for smoking pot?" Turns out these air purifiers collect information for air quality studies. Have several pages to read and a form to sign but don't have to participate. But will.

Located in northern California. In 2020 and 2021, air quality was between 100 ppm and often over 300 ppm from the end of July to the start of Fall rains. Last year was smokier than have ever observed but for the 2020 and 2021 huge mega fires burned that within 9 miles to the south and 9 miles to the east, respectively.

At present, the Tribes (3 adjacent Tribes, 2 Reservations and where I am National Forest), US Forest Service, Pacific Gas and Electric and a public-private partnership called Fire Safe Councils ae all busy in prep for fire season. Wildfire is literally the biggest employer locally by far.