Canadian forest fires worsen as smoke spreads to North America, high alert sounded
According to AirNow, avoid leaving your home unless absolutely necessary.
New Delhi: The effects of the Canadian forest fires are now being felt in other parts of North America. According to Newsweek, smoke from these fires has reached parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. This has led to poor air quality, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing outside. Air quality, previously rated “moderate,” has now reached the “poor” category in many areas.
Situation in South Dakota
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow platform, the AQI in large parts of South Dakota, including extensive areas of Badlands National Park, has reached 167, which falls in the “poor” category (151-200). Meanwhile, a “moderate” air quality warning has been issued for other areas, including Bennett, Oglala Lakota, Mead, Pennington, and Jackson, where the AQI is below 50.
What’s the situation in Nebraska?
According to Newsweek, Douglas County and the surrounding areas (Omaha and Carter Lake) in Nebraska recorded “moderate” air quality. As of Sunday night, the AQI ranged between 52 and 56.
Danger in Minnesota
A “moderate” air quality alert remains in effect for central, east-central, northwestern, and south-central Minnesota (including cities like Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park, and sections of Interstate 35W). However, conditions have worsened in parts of the northern Twin Cities metro area, prompting a warning for vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
Meanwhile, AirNow has issued a warning and advice to residents in areas with a “poor” AQI. According to AirNow, avoid leaving your home unless absolutely necessary. Children and the elderly should especially avoid venturing outside.
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