The Williamstown Health Department has installed five outdoor air‑quality sensors throughout town to expand residents’ access to timely, local air‑quality information. The sensors, known as PurpleAir Flex sensors, allow anyone to view near real‑time air‑quality data online.
The Town received the sensors at no cost through the Massachusetts Air Sensor Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
The installation comes amid increasing concern about air‑quality impacts from wildfire smoke and other pollution sources. In 2025, approximately 4,000 wildfires burned across Canada, many exhibiting extreme and difficult‑to‑control behavior. Williamstown is particularly vulnerable to the effects of these fires due to prevailing north winds from Canada, which are often funneled through the region’s two lateral mountain ranges. Wildfire smoke, when combined with existing air pollution from vehicles and residential heating systems, can substantially increase health risks for the community.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency operates air‑quality monitoring stations in nearby North Adams and, Pittsfield. In addition to a privately owned PurpleAir sensor at Hopkins Memorial Forest, the Williamstown Board of Health has installed five new sensors at the following locations:
- Town Hall
- Police Station
- Chamber of Commerce (Spring Street)
- Historical Museum (New Ashford Road)
- Aubuchon Ace Hardware, adjacent to the Fire Station
The goal of this expanded monitoring network is to provide residents with accessible, real‑time air‑quality data, empowering individuals and organizations to build knowledge, raise environmental awareness, and make informed decisions that support public health and community resilience.
Williamstown Health Inspector Ruth Russell says, “The Board of Health is excited for Williamstown residents to be able to access the data from the air sensors and gain knowledge about their air quality. We thank the DPW for supporting us by helping install the sensors.”