Gaylord, Mich. – Smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires is set to create unhealthy air quality across parts of Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula on Monday, prompting a health advisory for sensitive groups.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to rise into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range across Mackinac and Chippewa counties, including Mackinac Island and Bois Blanc Island. The advisory is in effect through Monday, June 2.
Residents in Western, Central, and Southeast Chippewa County—as well as Western and Eastern Mackinac—should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
Air quality experts recommend keeping windows closed and using air conditioning with high-efficiency MERV-13 or better filters. Symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, or burning eyes and throat may signal exposure to high smoke levels.
To reduce further pollution, avoid outdoor burning and limit wood stove use. Real-time air quality data is available at airnow.gov, and health guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is online at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
More advisories could follow if smoke continues to linger over the region.
