Pennsylvania, Minnesota issue air alerts as wildfire smoke spreads
PUBLISHED Jul 15, 2026, 11:13 PM ET
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Wildfire smoke from more than 830 ongoing fires in Canada and several large blazes in Minnesota is driving dangerous air pollution across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast, affecting millions of residents. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide Code Red Air Quality Action Day for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for Thursday, July 16, advising all residents to limit outdoor activity and warning sensitive groups to avoid prolonged exertion. Minnesota has an air quality alert in place from Tuesday through Friday, with hazardous levels expected in the northeast. Wisconsin has issued a statewide advisory from noon Tuesday through noon Thursday, July 16.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Earlier this year, severe drought conditions intensify regionally
- Recently, Canadian wildfires surge past 830 blazes
- Tuesday, Minnesota issues statewide air quality alert
- Noon Tuesday, Wisconsin advisory period begins statewide
- Tuesday through Friday, heavy smoke forecast northeastern Minnesota
- Thursday July 16, Pennsylvania declares Code Red statewide
- Noon Thursday July 16, Wisconsin advisory scheduled to expire
- This week, millions experience hazardous fine particulate pollution
News Intelligence
- Wildfire smoke can harm your health, especially if you have heart or lung disease. It's full of fine particles (PM2.
- that can get deep into your lungs. If you're in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, limit outdoor activities. Check local air quality reports regularly.
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