As Canadian wildfires turned New York’s air hazardous, front-line workers battled through the haze

NEW YORK — As the air quality rapidly deteriorated and a thick layer of smoke descended on New York City these last days, Mayor Eric Adams called for people to stay indoors. Not everyone could. Not unlike during the days of COVID-19 lockdowns, those who deliver food, respond to 911 calls and sell lunches on the street pushed through the public health emergency amid smoky haze and dangerous air. “People have been really struggling, said Mohamed Attia, executive director at the Street Vendor Project. “We’re seeing people working, like the vendors that are out there. I haven’t seen any area where...