safety
Before and after images: Wildfire smoke casts skylines in dystopian haze
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
By Meteorologist Dakota Smith, CNN
(CNN) — Smoke from wildfires in Canada has poured into the United States, causing air quality to plummet and masking landscapes in a thick, brown haze.
Poor air quality has been an issue in New York since Wednesday, when the cloud of smoke descended near the...
Key takeaway Poor air quality has been an issue in New York since Wednesday, when the cloud of smoke descended near the ground.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso 's own experiences with poor air quality, often caused by dust storms and wildfires in the surrounding desert, make the current situation in other parts of the country particularly relatable. The city's residents are no strangers to the health concerns that come with reduced visibility and poor air quality, including respiratory issues and increased risk of asthma attacks. As El Pasoans watch the situation unfold in cities like Chicago and New York, they may be reminded of the importance of the city's own air quality monitoring systems and the measures in place to mitigate the effects of poor air quality on public health. The impact of wildfire smoke on regional air quality is a concern that transcends local boundaries, and El Paso's own strategies for addressing this issue may serve as a useful reference point for other affected communities.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Meteorologist Dakota Smith, CNN
(CNN) — Smoke from wildfires in Canada has poured into the United States, causing air quality to plummet and masking landscapes in a thick, brown haze.
Poor air quality has been an issue in New York since Wednesday, when the cloud of smoke descended near the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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