Air Quality Alert Issued for Southeast Michigan Due to Wildfire Smoke

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Southeast Michigan due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Smoke is expected to affect air quality throughout the day, creating conditions that may be unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality and take steps to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

Who Should Take Extra Precautions

Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, lung disease, or other respiratory conditions are at greater risk of experiencing health effects from poor air quality.

These individuals should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities until air quality improves.

Tips to Reduce Exposure

Residents can help protect their health by:

• Limiting prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially if smoke is visible or the air has a smoky odor.
• Keeping windows and doors closed when possible.
• Running air conditioning on the recirculate setting or using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, if available.
• Moving outdoor exercise or recreation indoors until conditions improve.
• Wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator if extended time outdoors is unavoidable.

Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, or worsening respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Stay Informed

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day as smoke levels shift. Residents are encouraged to check current conditions using the Michigan Air Quality (MiAir) website or EPA AirNow before participating in extended outdoor activities.

The City of Southfield will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as they become available.