Canadian Wildfire Smoke Returns To MI, Triggering Air Quality Alert

MICHIGAN — Forecasters issued an air quality alert for most of Michigan on Saturday due to Canadian wildfire smoke.

The Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the following Michigan counties, Allegan, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne.

Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range.

Forecasters said the air will be worst during the late-afternoon and early evening hours, and recommended people to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Forecasters also urged people and businesses to avoid activities that lead to ozone formation, such as refueling vehicles, using gasoline powered lawn equipment and using charcoal lighter fluid.

Instead, forecasters encouraged people to drive less, telecommute, walk or ride a bike and delaying or combine errands.

Canadian wildfire smoke caused multiple alerts throughout the summer last year in Michigan. As of Friday, the AirNow smoke map shows smoke covering the entire state.