Photo provided by Mark Makela Thick orange smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouds Alpena on Wednesday afternoon, as fine particulate levels reached unhealthy ranges across the area.

ALPENA – Smoke from uncontrolled Canadian wildfires has driven air quality into unhealthy ranges across the Alpena area Wednesday, triggering health warnings, limiting outdoor activities, and forcing the cancellation of all Alpena Shipwreck Tours cruises for the day because of poor visibility and air quality.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) beginning at midnight Tuesday. The multi-day event is fueled by wildfires burning out of control north of the Minnesota Arrowhead (extending into parts of northern Quebec) and spreading smoke into Michigan. EGLE Public Information Officer Josef Stephens said forecasts will continue to be updated frequently this week.

In Alpena County, and the broader District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) service area, conditions reached the red “unhealthy for everyone” category.

“Currently most of our area is in the red ‘unhealthy for everyone’ zone,” Chelsea Engle, DHD4 administrative health officer, said. “People may suffer from irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs and may suffer from coughing and wheezing. Persons with asthma and underlying heart and lung disease are especially prone to respiratory problems related to air quality.”

Health officials urged residents to limit time outdoors, especially during strenuous activities. The National Weather Service Gaylord office extended the air quality alert through Thursday.

EGLE’s forecast showed ozone levels mostly in the good to moderate range, but PM2.5 remains the dominant concern (microscopic fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter). For Wednesday, levels in the Alpena region were forecasted to reach unhealthy ranges, with possible hourly spikes into hazardous territory in some locations.

“Those conditions will persist and slowly migrate southwards towards the Michigan/Indiana border through the day,” the EGLE forecast discussion stated. “A stronger front arriving Sunday is expected to bring more comfortable highs in the 80s, though smoke conditions remain uncertain.”

Engle reported that DHD4 had not yet received reports of increased respiratory issues, emergency visits, or other smoke-related health concerns as of Wednesday.

To reduce indoor smoke exposure, Engle advised closing windows and using air purifiers with HEPA filters.

“Windows should be closed and an air purifier with a HEPA filter can reduce particulate matter in the air,” she said. “If you don’t have air conditioning, you can consider spending some time in public places that do, such as libraries and theaters.”

Window air conditioning units are acceptable if they have tight seals with the window and are operated in recirculation mode to avoid drawing in outside air. N95 masks or equivalent protection are recommended for people who must be outdoors, particularly those at high risk for respiratory symptoms or planning prolonged outdoor time.

“N95 masks can be worn while outdoors for protection, particularly those who must be outside and are at high risk for respiratory symptoms, or those planning to be outside for prolonged periods of time,” Engle stated. “Officials noted that smoke can affect individuals in varying degrees of severity, so residents should use their best judgment.”

The air quality directly affected local tourism. Alpena Shipwreck Tours announced on Facebook that all cruises for July 15 were canceled.

“Due to heavy smoke from the wildfires creating poor air quality and reduced visibility, we have made the decision to cancel all cruises for today, July 15,” the company stated. “The safety and comfort of our passengers and crew always come first. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back aboard soon under clearer skies.”

EGLE’s extended forecast warned that air quality is expected to range between unhealthy for sensitive groups and very unhealthy through Thursday, with a possibility of hazardous spikes. The statewide alert is likely to remain in place through Thursday with a good possibility of extending into Friday.

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.