The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is closely monitoring the effects of approximately 800 active wildfires across Canada and Minnesota.  Plumes of smoke from these wildfires are expected to drift into the Upper Peninsula this evening and sink south into the Lower Peninsula overnight.  Officials have issued a statewide air quality alert for the entire state of Michigan for Wednesday, July 15 due to elevated fine particulate.  The advisory forecasts a hazard level of USG—Orange AQI which indicates “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” such as those with heart disease or respiratory conditions like asthma.

Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the National Weather Service. Wildfire smoke particles are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.

Residents can monitor conditions through EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard at the following link:  MiAir Dashboard.  Residents may also sign up for automated alerts through the EnviroFlash System at EnviroFlash signup. Below is only an image, live links shared here.