Gaylord, Michigan – Wildfire smoke continues to blanket Michigan today, prompting state officials to extend an Air Quality Alert for the entire state as elevated levels of fine particulate pollution reduce air quality and increase health risks, especially across northern Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the statewide Air Quality Alert remains in effect through today because of wildfire smoke drifting into the region. Air quality is expected to range from Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy across parts of northern Michigan, while other areas of the state may also experience degraded air quality.
The alert includes all of Michigan, from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, including communities such as Gaylord, Traverse City, Petoskey, Alpena, Marquette, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Detroit and Ann Arbor. People with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions, along with children and older adults, are especially vulnerable to the smoky conditions.
Officials recommend staying indoors as much as possible, keeping windows closed and running air conditioning on recirculate if available. If you must spend time outdoors, especially for extended periods, consider wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator to reduce exposure to fine smoke particles. Residents should also avoid strenuous outdoor exercise until air quality improves.
Air quality conditions may change as smoke concentrations shift throughout the day. Continue monitoring updates from EGLE, AirNow.gov, and the National Weather Service for the latest air quality information and any extensions to the advisory.
