Air quality alert in effect today in Massachusetts due to wildfire smoke. What to know

An air quality alert is in effect today in parts of Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the alert Friday, saying the air quality would be unhealthy for sensitive groups as wildfire smoke from the west moves over the region.

People with lung or heart disease, older adults and children are particularly sensitive and should limit their outdoor activities today, the DEP said.

The alert comes on the heels of a particularly hazy week in Massachusetts, as smoke from west coast wildfires made its way east.

Here's what to know about today's air quality alert in Massachusetts.

Where is the air quality alert today in Massachusetts?

Friday's air quality alert in Massachusetts applies to the western and central parts of the state.

The air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups in the following cities :

• Amherst
• Barre
• Blandford
• Charlemont
• Chesterfield
• Fitchburg
• Greenfield
• Milford
• Northampton
• Orange
• Springfield
• Worcester

Why is there an air quality alert today in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert because of wildfire smoke in the area, which is also causing hazy skies.

"Surface smoke from distant wildfires will continue to influence fine particle levels during the day," the DEP wrote on its website.

Fine particles are pollutants in the air that are so small they can pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs, causing health effects for people with heart or lung disease, diabetes, and older adults and children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency .

How to protect yourself from poor air quality

People who are particularly susceptible to poor air quality should stay indoors as much as possible today, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection said.

The California Air Resources Board suggests multiple actions to protect against poor air quality indoors, including:

• Keeping windows and doors closed
• Running air conditioning on recirculate with a new filter
• Using a CARB-certified air cleaner to reduce indoor particle levels
• Do not run swamp coolers or whole house fans
• Avoid burning candles, using gas stoves and vacuuming

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Air quality alert in effect today in Massachusetts due to wildfire smoke. What to know