Canadian wildfire smoke could affect Wisconsin all summer. Here's how to track air quality
Most recently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality advisory for the entire state from June 3 to June 4. But, the state has already surpassed the total air quality advisory totals from wildfire smoke issued in 2024.
Two advisories were issued in 2024 and three have been issued in 2025 thus far, DNR Air Management Outreach Coordinator Craig Czarnecki told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an email.
Czarnecki added that more advisories are "possible throughout the summer."
"As these wildfires become more frequent, last longer, or burn more intensely, it increases the chances that smoke will impact air quality here in Wisconsin," he said.
Czarnecki said the department encourages Wisconsinites to "stay informed and take appropriate precautions" when air quality advisories are issued.
Here's everything you should know about potential effects of these wildfires in Wisconsin:
There are more than 200 wildfires burning across Canada as of June 3, with 104 classified as "out of control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
For Wisconsin specifically, the DNR said smoke is coming from wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. These fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres, resulting in the evacuation of at least 17,000 people as of May 30.
More: What to know about Canadian wildfire smoke's effect on Wisconsin, Milwaukee air quality
The map below shows the locations of wildfires throughout North America and outlines where the smoke from those fires has gone.
Wisconsin is just one of several states affected by the smoke.
Wildfire smoke is a "complex mixture" of pollutants shown to cause a range of health effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These effects can be "relatively minor," like eye irritation, to more serious, including premature death, the agency says.
Moreover, particle pollution can affect the body's ability to "remove inhaled foreign materials," like viruses or bacteria, the EPA says.
Short-term exposure — classified by the EPA as a few days — can result in respiratory and cardiovascular effects, such as difficulty breathing, reduced lung function and heart attacks.
A study of wildland fire fighters showed "cumulative short-term exposures" — classified as multiple days to a few weeks — led to reduced lung function, per the EPA.
The agency notes studies have not determined health effects from wildfire smoke inhalation "over multiple seasons."
More: Canadian wildfire smoke is fouling U.S. air quality. We show where.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from the smoke, according to the DNR:
Check local air quality index
Stay indoors
Keep windows and doors closed
Avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution, like vacuuming or using candles
Install a high-efficiency air filter
Wear an N95 mask if outside for long time periods
The AQI is the EPA's index for reporting air quality, according to the EPA's AirNow website. It's divided into six categories on a scale of zero to 500, with higher numbers indicating increased air pollution and subsequent health risks.
For specific categories and totals, you can view an AQI table on the AirNow website.
The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is causing the bad air quality in Wisconsin?
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