Canadian Wildfires Obscure the Upper Midwest: How Unhealthy Smoke Impacts Outdoor Plans This Season

BISMARCK, N.D. – The air quality across the Upper Midwest took a hit this weekend due to smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires. Many regions, including most of Minnesota and parts of Montana and North Dakota, found themselves in an “unhealthy” zone for air quality. In fact, areas around Theodore Roosevelt National Park were among the worst, labeled “very unhealthy.”

Local businesses felt the impact. Al Chirpich, who runs the Hideaway Resort near Detroit Lakes, noted the unusual silence on the lake normally filled with boats and jet skis. “Today my boat is the only one out there,” he remarked. His RV camping spots were empty, and only a few cabins were occupied. He recalled how busy things were just a few days earlier. “On the Fourth of July, I had about 20 boats lined up.”

The smoke began settling in on Friday, lowering air quality levels. Meteorologist Jennifer Ritterling pointed out that people should limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and potentially use air purifiers, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma. “Our summers are short, so it’s frustrating when this happens,” she added.

The wildfires in Canada are severe, with Manitoba currently under a state of emergency. The fires there have forced about 12,600 people to evacuate their homes, marking the largest area burned in 30 years of record-keeping — over 3,861 square miles. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan also faces its own wildfires, leading to evacuations, but on a smaller scale.

Across the U.S., other areas are feeling similar effects. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona remains closed due to a nearby wildfire. This fire has burned over 2.3 square miles, with hundreds of firefighters working to contain it. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is also shut down due to its own wildfire, measuring about 4.4 square miles. Evacuations have been ordered for the nearby community of Bostwick Park.

Experts warn that these wildfire conditions may continue, underlining the importance of staying informed about air quality. The impact of these natural disasters stretches far beyond smoke and flames, affecting local economies and outdoor enjoyment during prime summer months.

For up-to-date air quality information, you can check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website.



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Jennifer Ritterling,environment,Climate,U.S. news