Although there are no wildfires burning in Cook County, the smell of smoke and reduced air quality continue because of fires burning in Ontario, Canada and in the Kawishiwi District of Superior National Forest.
The fire in the Kawishiwi District was detected on July 15 on the southeast corner of Kekebaic Lake, north of the portage into Strup Lake. The U.S. Forest Service reported that the fire was 5 – 6 acres in size on August 3. The fire is being monitored and action will be taken if needed. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
According to the Forest Service, the major cause of the scent of smoke, however, is from several large fires north of the Quetico National Park. The Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) reported that Ontario saw the start of 11 new fires on August 2. The total number of fires in the province is 135.
U.S. air quality impacted
This means smoke on the U.S. side of the border. The Ontario Ministry of Health notes that forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and very small particles that are produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The small particles in forest fire smoke also occur with many other types of air pollution and have been linked to serious effects on people’s health. Smoke also contains toxic gases like carbon monoxide that can be harmful to your health. Smoke particles are small and so can get deep into our lungs. Some particles are even small enough to get into the alveoli, or air sacs, of our lungs and may be absorbed into the bloodstream.
In response to smoke particles, your body will try to protect itself by making more tears and mucus. This can cause runny noses, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses and headaches.
If the smoke is heavy and lasts for days or weeks, you may also develop a cough. People who already have heart or lung problems may feel the effects of smoke earlier and worse than others in the community.
Grand Portage Trust Lands Air Quality Specialist Yvette Chenaux continues to monitor air quality and cautions that if you smell smoke and/or see haze from smoke, it is likely the particulates are high, so stay indoors and run your air conditioner if you have one. If you think the particulates are high, avoid physical activity outside.
Visit gpairquality.blogspot.com/ for current air quality information.
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