Maine Department of Environmental Protection Issues Air Quality Alert for June 6

June 6, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to air quality meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move into the Northern Maine region with hourly monitored values of particle pollution in the USG range on Friday morning. With light winds forecasted, these higher values are expected to linger throughout the day. The remainder of Maine is projected to remain in the Moderate range. Meanwhile, ozone is expected to reach the Moderate range for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions and Good for the remainder of the state.

On Saturday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, air quality forecasters are not expecting wildfire smoke to move out of the Maine area. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution since smoke can be slow to clean out. Ozone is expected to be in the Good range statewide. However, please check the website Saturday morning for the finalized forecast.

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 periods of elevated particle pollution levels include:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
  • Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
  • If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

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:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov