Midwestern states such as Michigan and Wisconsin have grown increasingly frustrated as wildfires ravage their neighbors to the north for the third consecutive year.
The wildfires, which have resulted in at least two deaths this year and uprooted tens of thousands in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, have also negatively affected air quality in Wisconsin.
At least eight states are currently under air quality warnings, starting in Wisconsin and stretching as far east as Maine. While most of the air quality warnings only pertain to “sensitive groups”, some parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan have air quality levels that are unhealthy for all groups.
The worsening air quality has caused flight delays and has resulted in Detroit being third among major cities for the worst quality. (RELATED: UW Medical School Remains Defiant Despite Affirmative Action Pushback)
The issue has been a source of frustration for legislators in Wisconsin and across the country, with Representative Tom Tiffany, R-Wi. demanding more ‘proactive forest management’ from the Canadian government.
Last month, six Representatives from Minnesota and Wisconsin penned a letter to Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman demanding more responsible forest management. The letter, signed by Representative Tiffany, expressed dismay at how the wildfires are negatively impacting Wisconsin and Minnesota residents quality of life.
“Our constituents have been limited in their ability to go outside and safely breathe due to the dangerous air quality the wildfire smoke has created.”
“In our neck of the woods, summer months are the best time of the year to spend time outdoors recreating, enjoying time with family, and creating new memories, but this wildfire smoke makes it difficult to do all those things.” (RELATED: Inside Congressman Tim Burchett’s Unexpected Social Media Success)
Air quality warnings in Wisconsin are currently set to expire on August 5th at noon, but have been extended multiple times since July 31st.
