Wildfire Smoke Season Has Arrived: Be Ready for Changing Air Quality

When you step outside on a sunny summer day in the St. Croix Valley, the air may seem perfectly clear. But appearances can be deceiving.

While wildfire smoke may have once seemed like a rare occurrence in Minnesota, it has become an increasingly common part of our summers. Since 2018, the state has experienced repeated episodes of poor air quality as smoke from large wildfires in Canada and the western United States drifts into the region. Drought conditions and changing weather patterns have fueled more intense fire seasons, and persistent northwesterly winds often carry that smoke directly into Minnesota (Environmental Initiative).

As wildfire season ramps up across North America, smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles on shifting winds. Even when fires are burning far away, communities like ours can experience sudden drops in air quality. Wind has no boundaries, and over the next several months it's likely we'll see periods when fine smoke particles make our air unhealthy to breathe.

Checking the air quality before heading outside is one of the easiest ways to protect your health. Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can irritate your eyes and throat, trigger asthma attacks, worsen heart and lung conditions, and make it harder to breathe. Even healthy individuals may experience coughing, headaches, or reduced exercise tolerance when smoke levels are elevated. By paying attention to daily air quality conditions, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and reduce unnecessary exposure.

One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI uses a color scale to communicate health risks:

• 🟢 Green: Good air quality.

• 🟡 Yellow: Acceptable for most people, though unusually sensitive individuals may experience minor effects.

• 🟠 Orange: Unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions.

• 🔴 Red: Unhealthy for everyone, with increased health risks as exposure continues.

• 🟣 Purple: Very unhealthy conditions where everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor activity.

• 🟤 Maroon: Hazardous air quality, with emergency conditions affecting the entire population.

If air quality reaches unhealthy levels, here are a few simple ways to protect yourself and your family:

• Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending extended time outdoors.

• Limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.

• Keep windows and doors closed when smoke levels are high.

• Run a high-efficiency air purifier or use a furnace or HVAC filter designed to capture fine particles.

• If you must be outside for an extended period in heavy smoke, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator.

Wildfire smoke reminds us that environmental challenges don't stop at state or national borders. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can help keep ourselves and our community healthier throughout the season.

In the case of air pollution, it may not start here, but we breathe it here.

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DIY Air Cleaning: Make a Simple Corsi-Rosenthal-Style Filter

If wildfire smoke is affecting your area and you don't have an air purifier, you can make a simple, effective indoor air filter using common materials. Attach a 20×20×4-inch MERV 13 air filter to the intake side of a 20×20-inch box fan using strong tape, clamps, or bungee cords, making sure the airflow arrow on the filter points toward the fan. When the fan is turned on, it pulls smoky air through the filter, helping remove fine particles from the room.

While this basic setup isn't as advanced as a full Corsi-Rosenthal box made with multiple filters, it can work well in a pinch and provide cleaner indoor air during periods of poor air quality. Be sure to place the fan on a stable surface, don't leave it running unattended, and replace the filter when it becomes dirty.