Eau Claire, WI – Residents in Eau Claire, Wausau, and ten other western and central Wisconsin counties are under a red “unhealthy” air quality alert through Sunday night, with state officials warning of serious health risks from wildfire smoke. The alert covers Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, Barron, Polk, St. Croix, Pierce, Pepin, Clark, Marathon, Rusk, and Sawyer counties, where all residents—not just sensitive groups—should limit time outdoors.
According to the Wisconsin Air Quality Monitoring Program, PM2.5 pollution is expected to keep air quality in the red zone until midnight Sunday. Both Eau Claire and Wausau, the most populated cities in the affected region, are likely to experience symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, even among healthy adults.
Public health officials urge residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, close windows, and run air conditioners on recirculate. Certified air filters are recommended for indoor use. Reduced visibility is possible on major roads, and schools or community events may be impacted.
Conditions may improve by Monday, but state agencies caution that air quality could remain poor if winds shift. More advisories are possible—residents should monitor updates and limit outdoor exposure until the alert is lifted.
