Broome Opens Emergency Operations Center as Smoke Issues Worsen

As smoke conditions posed greater health concerns, Broome County activated its emergency operations center.

County Executive Jason Garnar said the center opened around midday Wednesday.

During an afternoon briefing at his office, Garnar said "we are definitely witnessing a generational event in Broome County as we continue to deal with air quality issues from the Canadian wildfires."

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar discussed steps being taken in response to wildfire smoke during a news conference on June 7, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The county executive said the air quality level in the Binghamton area had reached a point where it was classified as "hazardous."

Because of the conditions, Garnar said "it is highly recommended that people remain indoors as much as possible."

A view of a smoky sky looking west from the 6th floor of the Broome County Office Building on June 7, 2023. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

County parks will be closed until at least Friday. The En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott also will be closed.

Garnar said two "clean air centers" have been established in downtown Binghamton. They are at the Broome County Public Library on Court Street and at the county-operated bus station on Chenango Street. He said "anyone who needs to come inside because of the conditions outside can do so" during operating hours at the sites.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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