On Thursday, the upper Midwest released a series of air quality alerts, suggesting some residents encounter symptoms such as “abnormal fatigue” in order to seek medical care.
Why it matters
Residents across Wisconsin face potentially dangerous air quality Thursday, due to massive wildfire smoke drifting in Canada. Since good levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reach thresholds are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, state officials responded by issuing consultations for more than a dozen counties.
The move highlights the ongoing public health risks posed by repeated wildfire smoke events, which have become increasingly common in recent years as fires continue in Canada's province. Vulnerable people, especially those with heart or respiratory systems, children and older people, have also been warned that even brief exposure can trigger symptoms or exacerbate potential health problems.
What to know
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began an air quality consultation on Thursday at 6 a.m., affecting Ashland, Barron, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Chippewa, Douglas, Douglas, Dunn, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Pierce, Polk, Price, Russ, Ruske, Sawyer, Saw, St. Croix, Villas, Villas and blushing.
Burning forest fires in British Columbia in Kootenay National Park.
James_gabbert/Getty
According to state officials, PM2.5's Air Quality Index (AQI) (able to penetrate deep into the lungs) is expected to reach levels of “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (USG) (USG) and in some areas, “unhealthy”.
The consultation stems from the rich smoke, from ongoing Canadian wildfires, especially from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which migrate southward to the upper Midwest. The plume is expected to reach the Duluth/Superior area between 6 and 9 a.m. and move gradually southeastward, extending the impact throughout the day, possibly extending into the weekend.
As meteorological conditions change, alert area plans are updated based on real-time monitoring and prediction models.
Official alerts advise residents, especially those with lung or heart disease, asthma, toddlers and older adults, to take precautions. These include limiting the intensity and duration of outdoor activities, moving activities indoors if possible, and being alert to any new or worsening symptoms.
For all residents, the key to staying indoors and closing windows remains a key precaution, while smoke in the area continues to exist.
Health officials urge residents to monitor symptoms related to poor air quality. Key symptoms of concern include:
- cough
- Rapid breathing
- Throat irritation
- Extremely fatigued
- Chest discomfort
- Heart pal
People with asthma are advised to follow their asthma action plan and provide a quick exposure inhaler anytime, anywhere. If symptoms such as shortness of breath or unexpected fatigue are instructed to contact their health care provider. The consultation also encourages all residents, including healthy people, to make outdoor activities shorter and less intense and to get indoors when any symptoms appear.
So far this year, there have been 11 air quality alerts, which are the air quality alerts issued in 2024.
What are people talking about
A Wisconsin DNR spokesman told Newsweek: “Wildfires often occur throughout the summer in the United States and Canada, so we will continue to focus on potential smoke effects as long as there are active wildfires.”
Air quality alerts issued by Wisconsin: “People with heart disease: symptoms, symptoms such as shortness of breath or abnormal fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have these problems, please contact your healthcare provider.”
Wisconsin DNR webpage about wildfire smoke: “The greater and more frequent wildfires are growing concerns about public health because wildfire smoke in fires can travel and affect air quality hundreds or even thousands of miles away, and has a wide range of health effects based on a person’s sensitivity to pollutants and the sensitivity to pollutants in the air.”
What will happen next
Air quality consultations continue until Thursday and can be expanded or adjusted based on updated smoke forecasts and AQI readings. With winds expected to return south on the weekend, state officials are expected to push smoke northward, allowing air quality to gradually improve in most people in the state. However, lingering smoke effects may require consultation to be effective for certain areas.
Updated 7/24/2025, 2:46 PM Eastern Time: This article has updated other information.