Why You're Smelling Smoke Today

Dispatchers have fielded numerous calls this morning from residents reporting the smell of smoke and visible haze/smoke across the area. Here's what's going on: today's air quality alert is tied in part to wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada, now affecting much of the Mid-Atlantic region.

That smoke is settling at ground level in many areas, which explains the smoky smell and visible haze without a fire source nearby. It's a regional weather event, not necessarily a sign of something burning close by.

If you see the actual source of smoke or fire, call 911.

Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on the air quality alert if you or family members have respiratory sensitivities.

Additional information may be viewed at:

• WBOC - https://www.wboc.com/news/smoky-skies-poor-air-quality-prompt-delawareans-to-take-precautions-amid-summer-heat/article_0e2545ea-fd1c-4e1a-a080-6294a46ccd71.html

• WRDE - https://www.coasttv.com/news/smoke-and-haze-from-canada-wildfires-affect-sussex-county/article_b835b54d-7c48-483e-921c-7d9a6deca336.html.