Wildfires raging across Canada have sent plumes of toxic smoke southward, prompting air quality alerts in multiple U.S. states.

As of May 30, 2025, residents in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of North Dakota and Illinois are urged to take precautions due to hazardous air quality caused by the smoke.

The Daily Mail reports that for the past week, large wildfires have been burning through British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, fueled by warm, dry conditions exacerbated by climate change.

The Canadian province of Manitoba declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of approximately 17,000 residents, one of the largest in the province’s history.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reports that these fires are part of a trend of increasingly severe fire seasons, with 2023 and 2024 being the worst on record.

The smoke from these wildfires has crossed the U.S. border, significantly affecting air quality in the Midwest.

Air quality alerts have been issued for Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, with meteorologists forecasting that smoke could also blanket parts of North Dakota and Illinois.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has advised residents to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and avoid contributing to air pollution through activities like outdoor burning or excessive vehicle use.

The National Weather Service recommends running central air conditioning to prevent smoke infiltration indoors.

In major cities such as Minneapolis, Duluth, Fargo, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis, the smoke is expected to be noticeable, potentially reaching levels deemed “unhealthy for all.”

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) noted that pollutants from the smoke could be particularly harmful to sensitive groups, with hourly air quality levels possibly reaching the “unhealthy” range from Friday into Saturday morning.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a dangerous pollutant that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PM2.5 can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, cause chest pain, and lead to hospitalization in severe cases.

Ground-level ozone, expected to increase in the north-central region next week due to high temperatures and lingering smoke, further compounds these risks by contributing to respiratory issues and material damage.