Fowler, IN – Communities along the Indiana-Illinois border are under an air quality advisory tonight as wildfire smoke from Canada settles over the region, posing health risks for sensitive populations.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the smoke has caused fine particulate pollution to spike above safe levels in Iroquois County, IL, and Benton County, IN. The EPA has designated air quality as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” through the overnight hours.
Residents in towns like Watseka, Gilman, Fowler, and Oxford may notice a smoky odor and reduced visibility. Health officials recommend avoiding prolonged outdoor exertion, especially for older adults, children, and those with heart or lung issues.
Local health departments advise staying indoors with filtered air, postponing outdoor work, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
The advisory may be extended if winds continue to carry smoke southward. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Illinois EPA.
