COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Wildfire smoke has pushed air quality into the “hazardous” level across Coldwater and Branch County, prompting state meteorologists to extend a statewide Air Quality Alert through tonight.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy warned that an aggressive plume of fine particulate matter from active wildfires has settled heavily into Southern Michigan, severely limiting visibility and causing localized Air Quality Index (AQI) readings to plummet.
Dr Joseph Khabbaza with the Cleveland Clinic says it’s those particles that can cause a number of health issues in the smoke
The current conditions represent a dangerous escalation from the ground-level ozone and moderate heat pollution that initially triggered regional alerts earlier in the week.
With pollution tracking in the very hazardous range environmental and health officials are advising all residents—not just sensitive populations—to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, minimize time spent outside, and keep residential windows tightly shut.
Vulnerable individuals, including children, older adults, and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, are strongly encouraged to stay indoors, run central air conditioning with high-efficiency filters, and monitor closely for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness.
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