The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, July 15, as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires is expected to impact air quality across Michigan.
Officials say elevated levels of fine particulate matter are expected to create Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality conditions statewide, with the potential for Unhealthy conditions in some areas, particularly across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
According to forecasters, plumes of wildfire smoke are expected to move into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday evening before spreading into northern Lower Michigan overnight. The smoke is then expected to continue south, reaching the Michigan-Indiana border by Wednesday evening.
Health officials recommend that residents, especially older adults, young children, and those with heart or respiratory conditions such as asthma, limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning of the eyes, nose, or throat should move indoors and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Residents can also help reduce additional air pollution by avoiding outdoor burning and limiting the use of residential wood burning appliances whenever possible.
To reduce smoke exposure inside the home, officials recommend keeping windows and doors closed, especially overnight. If available, run central air conditioning using a MERV-13 or higher-rated air filter to help improve indoor air quality.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions throughout the day and take appropriate precautions if smoke becomes more concentrated.
