Residents of Wisconsin are being urged by the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce time spent outdoors due to poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke. In a recent release, the DNR warned of widespread levels of unhealthy particulate matter (PM2.5) across the state that may continue to affect surface air quality for several days. The advisory currently covers yesterday, July 31, and has been extended today, August 1, with potential for unhealthy conditions to persist into the weekend.
The DNR suggests that individuals, especially those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children, should alter their outdoor routines to minimize exposure. Activities should be made shorter, less intense, and heavy exertion is to be reduced as much as possible. Moving events indoors or rescheduling is advised if conditions do not improve. According to the Wisconsin DNR, people ought to check local air quality indexes and stay informed through the WisconsinAQM mobile app or sign up for email and text advisories.
Recommended steps to protect oneself from wildfire smoke include staying indoors with doors and windows closed, avoiding indoor pollution-increasing activities such as vacuuming or burning candles, and installing high-efficiency air filters. For those who must be outdoors for extended periods, an N95 mask offers some protection against inhaled particulates. With wildfires expected to continue throughout the summer, the DNR emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and adhering to published advisories.
The DNR additionally offers resources such as a real-time data map of current air quality conditions, available through their website. The agency also encourages the public to "protect yourself from wildfire smoke" by downloading the free mobile app available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, clearly signaling an ongoing commitment to keep the public both informed and safe. "Air quality advisories are expected to continue through the summer as wildfires continue to occur," the Wisconsin DNR stated, urging the public to stay abreast of the situation as it develops.
