Unhealthy Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Blankets Upper Midwest
Fires in Canada prompt state of emergency as air quality worsens in US region.
BISMARCK, N.D.: The Upper Midwest on Saturday grappled with unhealthy air due to drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires, particularly impacting the region's strong outdoor recreational activities.
Most of Minnesota and parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin were categorized as 'unhealthy' for air quality by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Some areas in North Dakota, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, were rated 'very unhealthy,' reflecting severe air pollution levels nationwide.
The situation started deteriorating on Friday as smoke from the Canadian wildfires settled into the region.
The EPA map highlighted significant portions of the Upper Midwest under unhealthy air conditions, affecting outdoor activities such as fishing and boating in Minnesota.
Al Chirpich, owner of the Hideaway Resort near Detroit Lakes, noted a stark decline in visitors due to poor visibility and air quality, significantly impacting his business.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Jennifer Ritterling advised residents and tourists in the region to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, frustrating locals who wish to enjoy the short summer season in the Upper Midwest.
The wildfires have also led to a state of emergency in Manitoba, where over 12,600 people had been evacuated due to the fires consuming more than 3,861 square miles.
In Arizona and Colorado, several national parks and communities faced closures and evacuations as they battled large-scale wildfires.
Most of Minnesota and parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin were categorized as 'unhealthy' for air quality by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Some areas in North Dakota, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, were rated 'very unhealthy,' reflecting severe air pollution levels nationwide.
The situation started deteriorating on Friday as smoke from the Canadian wildfires settled into the region.
The EPA map highlighted significant portions of the Upper Midwest under unhealthy air conditions, affecting outdoor activities such as fishing and boating in Minnesota.
Al Chirpich, owner of the Hideaway Resort near Detroit Lakes, noted a stark decline in visitors due to poor visibility and air quality, significantly impacting his business.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Jennifer Ritterling advised residents and tourists in the region to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, frustrating locals who wish to enjoy the short summer season in the Upper Midwest.
The wildfires have also led to a state of emergency in Manitoba, where over 12,600 people had been evacuated due to the fires consuming more than 3,861 square miles.
In Arizona and Colorado, several national parks and communities faced closures and evacuations as they battled large-scale wildfires.
