The wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota are doing a lot more harm than just ruining your view. The Air Quality Index reached the hazardous level for much of the day Thursday, forcing the cancellation of athletic events and outdoor performances. As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, the AQI was still above 400 in Sturgeon Bay and Ellison Bay and above 350 in Luxemburg and Kewaunee. By comparison, AQI levels below 100 are acceptable for most people, while levels between 151 and 200 are unhealthy. Kewaunee County Public Health Director Cindy Kinnard says people need to monitor themselves closely when air quality is this poor.

An air quality alert and dense smoke advisory remain in effect until noon Friday. The National Weather Service says the region should get a break Friday afternoon before winds shift again and push the smoke back over the area Saturday. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says air quality is expected to remain at unhealthy levels through much of Friday and Saturday.