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Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alert for Rockland County for Monday into Tuesday

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6 months ago

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Rockland County, NY — Canadian wildfire smoke is once again impacting the Lower Hudson Valley, prompting a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory for Monday, August 4, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for several counties including Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and New York (Manhattan). The advisory is in effect from midnight Sunday through midnight Monday.

Air quality levels are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100, indicating that fine particulates (PM2.5) in outdoor air may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
What This Means for You

The New York State Department of Health recommends that residents — especially young children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions — limit strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory period. Exposure to high levels of fine particulates can trigger asthma, respiratory distress, and other health concerns.

Residents experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort are urged to consult their healthcare provider.

Health tips during the advisory; stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers if available, avoid outdoor exercise or heavy physical exertion, monitor updates from local health and environmental agencies.

For more information about local air quality conditions, visit the NYSDEC Air Quality Index page at https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

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Government

New York State DMV Offices Closed Feb. 13–17 for System Upgrade

Published

4 days ago

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February 10, 2026

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NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will temporarily suspend all in-person and online services due to a scheduled technology system upgrade, officials announced.

The system update will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at which time all DMV offices statewide will close. Offices will remain closed through Tuesday, February 17. During this period, online transactions and phone services will also be unavailable.

All DMV services are expected to fully resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and complete any urgent DMV transactions prior to the closure. Additional information is available on the DMV’s website at dmv.ny.gov.

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Government

Rockland County Issues $42K in Penalties After 51 Violations Found at Spring Valley Property

Published

5 days ago

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February 10, 2026

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NEW CITY, N.Y. — The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against property owner Joel Friedman of Spring Valley after inspectors identified 51 building and safety violations at 18 White Street.

The inspection took place on January 22 at the request of the Spring Valley Police Department, following a 911 call related to the death of a child at the residence. The child’s death remains under investigation. County officials said there are no known facts at this time indicating the condition of the structure contributed to the death.

The property is certified as a two-family residence, which is not subject to routine inspections under state law. County officials said inspectors were authorized to enter the property after police reported evidence of an unlawful conversion.

Inspectors found that the garage, basement, and second floor had been illegally converted for residential use, contrary to the building’s Certificate of Occupancy. Uninhabitable areas were found to be occupied, with doors and windows boarded up.

Among the violations cited were:

  • Alterations without permits

  • Unsafe electrical conditions

  • Blocked or obstructed exits

  • Missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  • Presence of combustible materials

  • Unlawful changes to use and occupancy

Officials said additional hazards included unsafe wiring and the use of hot plates and portable heaters.

County officials confirmed that no children were present during the inspection and that this was the first inspection request ever received for the property, with no prior violation history.

The County also addressed social media claims suggesting the property was operating as an unlicensed daycare, stating there was no signage, licensing, or other visible evidence to support that allegation.

“This tragedy underscores the importance of code compliance and community responsibility,” said County Executive Ed Day, urging residents to report unsafe conditions in properties not subject to routine inspections.

Edward Markunas, Director of the Office of Buildings and Codes, said the violations posed “serious life-safety concerns.”

The County confirmed that Child Protective Services is involved and continues to work with law enforcement as appropriate.

Residents can report building and code violations to the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes at 845-364-3700 or obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us.

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