The state of Michigan is currently under the haze of Canadian wildfire smoke, which is expected to linger over the weekend. According to CBS News Detroit, the entire province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency as the fires cover over 150,000 acres. The smoke, which began to move over Michigan on Friday, brings with it concerns over air quality, notably for people with pre-existing health conditions.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), following an alert from the National Weather Service, has issued air quality advisories through Saturday morning for parts of Michigan, including the counties of Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and others. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with heart or respiratory diseases, are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities due to the possibility of worsening air conditions.
The air quality advisories are based on the increase in PM2.5 levels, which are fine particulate matter in the air that can be detrimental to health. EGLE officials have been tracking these particles and, as stated in a Lansing State Journal article, there's a possibility that levels in the western Upper Peninsula could reach ranges unhealthy even for the general public for short periods.
Residents of Michigan can keep informed of the air quality through platforms like AirNow and the MiAir Quality Index Dashboard. These platforms offer actionable data, advising when to reduce or limit exposure to the outdoors. As explained by State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, pets can also be impacted by the smoke, displaying symptoms similar to humans, such as coughing and wheezing. It is recommended during such events to keep pets indoors and avoid strenuous activities.
