Cities across southeast Michigan woke up to hazy skies and scents of burning wood lingering in the air on Thursday, July 16, as wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota made its way across the state the previous 24 hours.
As of Thursday morning, the U.S. Air Quality Index registered readings above 800, reflecting hazardous, unhealthy air quality in metro Detroit. In Detroit, the AQI is at 460, with the website IQAir ranking it among the world’s worst major cities for air quality today.
Because of this, some metro Detroit businesses and attractions are closing for the day on Thursday. City pools are closing in many suburbs, and some businesses with outdoor shopping and attractions are pausing operations for the day.
Here are the latest updates.
How to check Michigan air quality today
The map below displays the current air quality at monitoring sites in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Air monitoring sites are color-coded based on the pollutant (ozone or particulate matter) with the highest value. Particles that are less than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers in diameter are called PM10 and PM2.5, respectively.
An AQI of 50 or below means the current air quality is good. The shaded areas of the map show the approximate boundaries where air quality is available and listed as anything other than good. The information is updated hourly.
Can’t see the map below? Tap here.
Detroit Zoo remains open, with caution
The Detroit Zoo remains open Friday with some modifications to operations. Educational programs, including camp activities has been moved indoors. The Australian Outback Adventure walk-through and Goat Yard Encounter are temporarily closed.
The zoo is postponing its 21+ event Summer Sips to Aug. 14. It was originally scheduled for Friday.
“Species that are naturally more sensitive to air quality already live in climate-controlled indoor habitats or have been moved to their indoor spaces,” Detroit Zoo communications manager Sarah Culton said in an email to the Free Press Thursday afternoon. “Animals with access to outdoor spaces today can choose to move indoors, where circulating air systems maintain a comfortable environment. Our animal care team is closely observing all animals.”
Smoke hits auto plants
A thick, smokey haze combined with intense heat ranging from 88 to 100 degrees lingered inside Ford Motor’s Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne throughout the night and into the morning of July 16, sending several dozen assembly line workers to the medical unit. Then some were taken out on stretchers by ambulance to area hospitals, according to several union members at the facility.
Ford, General Motors and Stellantis have issued statements saying they are closely monitoring the situation to keep their employees healthy, but all Detroit automakers’ plants remain operational. Many workers in Ford’s plants describe burning eyes and difficulty breathing.
Read more from Jamie L. LaReau here.
Wayne County gives 70,000 masks to senior facilities
Wayne County staff distributed more than 70,000 KN95 respirator masks to senior facilities throughout the county “in an effort to protect some of the community’s most vulnerable population,” according to a news release from the county.
The Senior FunFest event scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at Elizabeth Park in the downriver community has been cancelled, also due to concern for the health and well-being of those seniors who were planning to attend, according to the news release.
Detroit offers free masks
The city is distributing free masks, offering refuge and urging residents to take precautions amid hazardous air quality conditions.
Free masks are available to Detroit residents at the Farwell, Adam Butzel, Northwest Activities Center and Patton recreation centers. Masks also are being distributed along the DDOT system for passengers who are outdoors and to residents at Detroit senior buildings.
The city’s recreation centers are open during normal business hours, offering places of respite from the smoke.
Here’s more.
Michigan reps call for Canada to reduce wildfires
After signing off on a letter to Canada’s prime minister demanding action to reduce Canadian wildfires and the effect they’re having on air quality in Michigan, Republican U.S. Rep. John James − the front-runner for his party’s nomination for governor this year − says the United States and the state must be prepared to take further steps to respond.
He joined Republican U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, of Watersmeet, Lisa McClain, of Bruce Township, and John Moolenaar, of Caledonia, in sending a letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney saying despite concerns raised a year earlier, “the season has come around again, and nothing has changed except that our patience has run out.”
The four went on to write that they were “done accepting apologies in place of action” and if Canada would not take steps to manage its forests and better prevent the fires, they would look into what avenues might be available for the United States “exploring direct involvement” in means of reducing dry tinder and adding firefighting capacity.
Here’s more from Todd Spangler.
John Mellencamp concert to go on at Pine Knob
John Mellencamp’s Dancing Words Tour – The Greatest Hits at Pine Knob Music Theatre will still go on as scheduled, according to 313 Presents.
“The show as of now is still going to go on as scheduled,” according to the entertainment company late Thursday morning. The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Clarkston.
-Harrison Stidolph
Ann Arbor Art Fair continues, some artists may alter hours
Ann Arbor Art Fair organizers said despite the air advisory, artists and patrons have still come out strong.
“It’s always heartbreaking if stuff doesn’t work, but artists and people are still showing out,” Executive Director Angela Kline said.
The festival told the Free Press on Wednesday that its emergency alert system is ready for adverse weather and has evacuation plans in place.
A spokesperson said Thursday afternoon that artists can alter their hours to close down as early as 3 p.m. Thursday and reopen as late as 12 p.m. on Friday. The spokesperson said there are no changes to the festival’s hours nor business hours in downtown Ann Arbor.
-Harrison Stidolph
Concert of Colors events move indoors
Thursday Concert of Colors events will now take place inside, according to a spokesperson.
The multicultural festival plans to move all Thursday performances outside the Detroit Historical Museum indoors to the museum’s Gallery of Culture.
Arts & Scraps events at the Michigan Science Center will also be held inside.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra/University of Michigan Sosnick Courtyard performances at the U-M Wolverine Outdoor Stage will be moved indoors to The Cube at DSO Orchestra Hall, according to a post by Concert of Colors on Facebook.
Events on Friday and Saturday have not received any changes as of Friday afternoon, though the festival recommended visitors follow its social media and view its homepage for more immediate updates.
-Harrison Stidolph
Air quality alert extended into Friday
A statewide air quality alert in Michigan has been extended through Friday, July 17, as officials expect Canadian wildfire smoke to linger at least another day before moving out of the Great Lakes region.
Thunderstorms are possible on Friday afternoon and evening, July 17, and Saturday afternoon, July 18, as a cold front moves through, which could help push the smoke out, Grand Rapids NWS senior meteorologist Nathan Jeruzal. Storms are also possible in northern Minnesota and Canada, which could help extinguish wildfires and reduce the the billowing smoke being carried south and east.Here’s more from Sarah Moore.
Michigan Planet Fitness locations let community members work out for free
All Michigan Planet Fitness locations are offering free club access Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19.
All community members will be able to visit the locations for free without an obligation to join. Anyone looking to work out can walk in and sign in at the front desk. A waiver is required to workout in the facility, but not a credit card or down payment, a spokesperson told the Free Press Thursday morning.
Here’s more.
Is it safe for my pets to be outside?
As wildfire smoke engulfs Michigan, officials are urging residents to limit outdoor time as much as possible — and the same advice goes for your beloved pets.
“As irritating as smoke can be to people, it can cause health problems for animals as well. Smoke from wildfires and other large blazes affects pets, horses, livestock and wildlife. If you can see or feel the effects of smoke yourself, you also should take precautions to keep your animals — both pets and livestock — safe,” the American Veterinary Medical Association said.
Here’s more.
Metro Detroit’s air quality among world’s worst
Metro Detroit is facing some of the world’s worst air quality Thursday morning. Among the major cities worldwide with poor air quality today, Detroit tops the list and several are in the U.S.
Potential trash pickup delays due to wildfire smoke
Michigan municipalities that use Priority Waste may experience trash and recycling collection delays due to the poor air quality.
If trash, recycling or yard waste is not picked up Thursday, residents should leave items on the curb for when collection on Friday, July 17, according to an alert on the Priority Waste website Thursday morning.
What’s closed in metro Detroit Thursday due to wildfire smoke
From Greenfield Village to the Detroit RiverWalk, here’s a running list of what’s closed today and other updates on the wildfire smoke.
Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour closed
Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour in Dearborn are closed Thursday, according to The Henry Ford.
Small animals like cats, chickens and lambs were being kept inside, according to Greenfield Village director Jim Johnson early Thursday.
Horses, cows and other large animals were allowed outside, but had access to indoor enclosures.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Giant Screen Experience will remain open.
Dearborn city pools closed
All pools, including the indoor pool at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center are closed in Dearborn, according to Dearborn Parks and Recreation.
Detroit RiverWalk food service closed
The Cullen Family Carousel and all cafes and food service at Detroit Riverfront Conservancy parks are closed, according to the conservancy.
All scheduled Riverfront Conservancy programs are canceled for July 16.
Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores closed
The Ford House and the Continental restaurant in Grosse Pointe Shores are closed.
Guests with tickets or reservations will be contacted directly by the visitor experience team, according to Ford House.
Willow Greenhouse in Northville closed
Willow Greenhouse in Northville is closed, and its Thursday workshops are canceled, according to its Facebook. People who signed up for workshops will be offered a refund.
The business plans to reopen for regular hours Friday, July 17.
Independence Township beaches
Deer Lake Beach, Bay Court Beach and the Spray Park at Clintonwood Park are closed, according to Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors.
Boyne Mountain Resort
Outdoor attractions at Boyne Mountain Resort are closed until at least 2 p.m., according to the resort’s Facebook page. Closed attractions include SkyBridge Michigan, Eagle’s Nest, Scenic Lift, and Deer Lake activities.
Golf is open with limited services. The Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park remains open.
Huntington Woods pool
The Huntington Woods city pool is closed. Field trips and senior trips will be rescheduled.
Romulus Athletic Center splash pad
The splash pad at the Romulus Athletic Center is closed. The indoor facility remains open.
Grosse Pointe Park pool closed
The pool is closed for the day, according to Grosse Pointe Park. Swim team activities, swim lessons, tennis lessons, adult volleyball through Grosse Pointe Parks and Recreation are canceled. The Knapsackers Day Camp will be held indoors at the Lavins Activity Center.
Royal Oak outdoor activities
The Normandy Oaks splash pad is closed, according to Royal Oak City Hall. The Thursday concert at the Centennial Commons is canceled, as well as all outdoor programming.
Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights
The Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights is closed, and morning and afternoon sessions of River Walk are canceled, according to the waterpark.
Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market
The Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market is closed.
50th District Court
In Pontiac, 50th District Court closed to the public at noon on Thursday due to air quality and reduced staffing levels, according to a court administrator. Though the Court is closed to the public, it is handling urgent matters and in-custody arraignments virtually.
The Court anticipates resuming normal operations Friday, unless conditions warrant otherwise.
City of Detroit outdoor programming
The city of Detroit is “directing department heads to cancel any outdoor recreational programming today and to make sure that city employees who work outdoors are limited to only essential services,” spokesperson John Roach told the Free Press on Thursday morning.
City cooling centers are open and can be used as respite locations from the smoke.
Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit
The Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan in downtown Detroit is closed to the public as of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and will remain closed Friday, according to a public information officer.
All in-person hearings and proceedings scheduled during the closure will be adjourned and rescheduled. Remote-only proceedings will continue as scheduled. Parties with scheduled court appearances will receive additional information regarding their new court dates.
The court plans to reopen on Monday, July 20 at 8:30 a.m., pending further air quality updates.
36th District Court
The 36th District Court in Detroit is closing as of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday and will remain closed Friday, according to a news release.
Felony arraignments will continue as scheduled. All other court proceedings and court services are suspended during the closure.
Individuals with matters affected by the closure will receive additional informationregarding rescheduling, if necessary. Court users are encouraged to monitor the Court’swebsite and official social media channels for updates.
Normal operations are expected to resume Monday.
Sarah Moore, Kristi Tanner, Violet Ikonomova and Neal Rubin contributed.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan air quality updates: Wildfire smoke upends metro Detroit
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
