BOSTON — The state Department of Environmental Protection is again warning of reduced air quality Monday afternoon because of the ongoing wildfires in Canada. 

 

An advisory is in effect through midnight Tuesday for Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester counties.

 

The agency is advising people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

 

Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to air pollution.

 

Nearly 900 wildfires have burned across Canada, including its eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Air alerts were issued across the high plains and Midwest states over the weekend. Massachusetts has twice sent wildlands firefighters to aid in containing the blazes. 

 

Note: DEP late Monday extended the advisory through Tuesday.