Canadian wildfire smoke is continuing to cause unhealthy air conditions in your backyard. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources extended its Air Quality Advisory for 16 counties, including Brown, Door, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc, until noon on Thursday. The PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less) level is rated as unhealthy, which can cause health issues including eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Late last week, when Door County received its first Air Quality Alert of 2025 due to the wildfires, Shauna Blackledge from the Door County Public Health advised older people and those with certain health conditions like asthma and heart disease to take extra precautions.
According to USA Today, more than 200 wildfires were burning as of June 3rd, affecting air quality as far south as Florida. Earlier on Wednesday, Minneapolis had one of the worst air quality index levels in the world due in part to the wildfire smoke.
TIPS FROM THE DNR
- Check your local air quality index.
- Stay indoors.
- Close doors and windows.
- Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution: vacuuming, frying food, burning candles or using gas-powered appliances.
- Install a high-efficiency air filter.
- Use an N95 mask if outdoors for long periods.
Photo from the Wisconsin DNR
