Tue Jun 03 02:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Wildfires in Canada, Local Blaze in U.P. Trigger Air Quality Alert for Michigan**

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan residents are facing a double whammy of wildfire-related concerns, with smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires impacting air quality and a new fire erupting in the Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for 15 counties in Upper Michigan through Tuesday. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter from the Canadian blazes are making the air unhealthy, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Skies are expected to appear hazy, with a grayish or brownish tint instead of the usual blue.

As of Monday night, Canada was battling 196 active fires, with 103 classified as out of control. British Columbia and Alberta are the hardest-hit provinces.

Closer to home, firefighters in Dickinson County are working to contain a fire that has consumed approximately 5-6 acres of heavily wooded area about 14 miles northeast of Iron Mountain since Sunday evening. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that nearly three dozen firefighters were on the scene, battling the blaze in a challenging terrain of mixed hardwoods and large pines. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the area. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for the western half of the Upper Peninsula on Monday, and warned of elevated wildfire danger for Lower Michigan on Tuesday due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions. The NWS urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and to report any wildfires immediately.

“Please match the extreme fire conditions with an extreme use of caution with any source of fire,” cautioned John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer.

The wildfires in Canada have forced as many as 10,000 Canadians to evacuate their homes. The situation is so dire that Saskatchewan’s Premier stated that only significant rainfall can effectively slow the spread of the blazes.

Michigan residents are advised to monitor air quality reports, limit outdoor activities if sensitive to air pollution, and exercise extreme caution with any potential sources of fire.

Read More