ROCKFORD, IL — Northern Illinois remained under an air quality alert until midnight July 16 as a smokey haze was blown into the area from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day July 16 for Rockford, Freeport, Belvidere, Oregon and Chicagoland.
Northern Illinois is on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke moving in from the north, according to the National Weather Service.
There was uncertainty how far south the smoke would travel and for how long the air quality would remain poor. As of the afternoon of July 16, air quality measurements at the Chicago Rockford International Airport remained “very unhealthy.” Air quality in southern Wisconsin including Beloit was even worse and considered “hazardous.”
It was possible that poor air quality could linger into July 17. People who have health concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check the NowCast at airnow.gov before going outside.
USA Today was reporting that there were more than 850 wildfires across Canada as of July 16, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System. Meanwhile, rescues and evacuations were underway in northern Minnesota, where over a dozen fires caused by lightning strikes were burning and nearing remote campsites.
Everyone should reduce prolonged activity or heavy exertion outdoors. Active children, older adults, and people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma should avoid prolonged activity or heavy exertion outdoors, according to the National Weather Service.
People who are sensitive, have asthma or compromised health should wear an N95 mask.
Changes, cancelations
Rockford Park District programs were being canceled or altered because of the air quality alert:
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Illinois, Wisconsin
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
