MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Canadian wildfires continue to affect Michigan, making the air uncomfortable one day and downright hazardous the next. Even with clearer skies than Tuesday, and Canadian wildfires still raging, an air quality alert will again be in place across Upper Michigan Wednesday night.
“When we have these types of wildfire alerts, it just means that people should be cautious about activities they conduct outside, especially if they’re part of a vulnerable population, individuals who are 18 and under 65, and older, anyone who has a pre-existing respiratory condition,” said Patrick Jacuzzo, director of Environmental Health with the Marquette County Health Department.
Tuesday saw an air quality index of 817. The scale only goes up to 500. The alert will remain in effect until at least Thursday morning, at which time they will reassess the quality of the air.
The air quality alerts are measured and then put out by Egle and the US-EPA. The forecast indicates rain is likely on Wednesday, which may help to keep the smoke out of the area.