Wildfires burning in Canada in the last week now are impacting air quality in portions of the United States, as winds blowing south push smoke over the border. As of Friday, May 30, 174 wildfires were active, including 94 that were being tracked but deemed too big or too risky to fight, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
Poor Air Quality in the Midwest and Great Lakes
Smoke from the fires has resulted in unhealthy air quality levels across a number of US states. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow monitor, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Minnesota, and large parts of Wisconsin are now suffering ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ air conditions, which include the elderly, children, and people with respiratory diseases. Residents of these regions have been warned to remain indoors as they report symptoms like coughing and difficulty in breathing.
Elsewhere, northwestern Illinois and eastern Iowa had moderate air quality levels through last week. Fine particulate matter was due to reach the red AQI level, representing dangerous pollution levels for everyone, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Hazy Skies and Smoke Across Cities
A number of cities have experienced hazy skies due to heavy smoke. Places such as Green Bay (Wisconsin), Michigan, and Chicago observed poor air conditions and changed sunsets. Both Milwaukee and Chicago observed orange-colored skies, while smoke reached as far as Detroit.
Murray Kinsey, who runs a houseboat rental company near Babbitt, Minnesota, told the Associated Press, “It’s getting a little hard to breathe. But it’s not terrible. We’ve had it before, but it’s been way worse.”
Fires Force Evacuations in Canada
The fires started in the Manitoba province, and evacuations were reported in the areas affected. Canada has since attained its highest National Preparedness Level, indicating the necessity for extra resources and assistance. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in reaction, took to social media, assuring the total support of local government fighting the fires.
In the meantime, the Appalachian area, Southeastern US, Dakotas, and Great Plains would also likely suffer from worsening air quality as the haze keeps spreading to the south.
