Minnesota and North Dakota See Unhealthy Air from Fires \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed much of the Upper Midwest with hazardous air over the weekend. Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin reported “unhealthy” or worse air quality, forcing people indoors during prime outdoor season. Wildfires also caused closures and evacuations in U.S. national parks across Arizona and Colorado.
Quick Looks
- Air Quality Impact: Unhealthy levels in Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin
- Worst Affected: Parts of North Dakota ranked “very unhealthy” by EPA
- Tourism Hit: Minnesota resorts report empty cabins and RV sites
- Canadian Wildfires: Over 3,861 square miles burned in Manitoba alone
- Evacuations: 12,600+ in Manitoba, 1,000 in Saskatchewan
- U.S. Park Closures: North Rim of Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Firefighting Efforts: 200+ personnel battling Arizona wildfires
- Advice: Limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers, keep windows closed
Deep Look
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest and Forces U.S. Park Closures
Thick plumes of smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Canada blanketed vast portions of the Upper Midwest this weekend, triggering widespread air quality alerts, disrupting tourism, and closing some of America’s most iconic national parks. The smoke, driven by atmospheric currents, has turned idyllic summer destinations into hazardous zones, just as families and travelers gear up to enjoy lakeside cabins, hiking trails, and scenic campgrounds.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most of Minnesota, as well as areas of North Dakota, Montana, and Wisconsin, reported “unhealthy” air quality levels. Some areas of North Dakota, including popular tourist destinations like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, were labeled “very unhealthy”, placing them among the worst in the country.
Local business owners are already feeling the impact. Al Chirpich, owner of the Hideaway Resort near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, described a bleak scene as visibility dropped and customers stayed away. Normally bustling with boaters, campers, and families enjoying the water at Island Lake, the resort was eerily quiet.
“If you have a nice pork loin you can hang from a tree, it’ll turn into ham,” joked Chirpich, describing the dense smoke.
On what should have been a peak summer weekend, none of his 18 RV sites were occupied, and only a handful of guests stayed in his seven rental cabins. Just days earlier on Fourth of July weekend, 20 boats lined up at his dock. This Saturday? Just his own boat.
Meteorologist Jennifer Ritterling of the National Weather Service in Grand Forks explained the grim forecast: smoke began drifting down from Canadian wildfires on Friday and is expected to linger through the weekend. With air pollutants settling at surface level, limiting outdoor activity, closing windows, and using air purifiers is recommended for everyone—especially those with conditions like asthma or COPD.
“Our summers up here are fairly short… It’s frustrating when there’s this smoke in the air,” said Ritterling.
Canada’s Wildfire Crisis: Record-Breaking Destruction and Mass Evacuations
The source of this hazardous haze lies to the north, where Canada is battling one of its worst wildfire seasons in decades. The province of Manitoba is now under a state of emergency. Over 12,600 residents have been forced to evacuate as flames have consumed over 3,861 square miles (10,000 square kilometers) of land—the most in over 30 years of digital record-keeping.
In neighboring Saskatchewan, wildfires have also prompted evacuations, with more than 1,000 people displaced. The fires are straining emergency services and placing indigenous communities and rural residents in precarious conditions.
National Parks in Arizona and Colorado Closed Amid Wildfire Threats
Farther south, wildfires are also causing havoc in the U.S. In Arizona, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park remains closed due to a 2.3-square-mile (6.1-square-kilometer) blaze, compounded by a separate wildfire on Bureau of Land Management territory that has scorched nearly 17 square miles (44 square kilometers). More than 200 firefighters are working tirelessly to control the flames.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was also closed as a 4.4-square-mile (11.3-square-kilometer) fire burned on the park’s South Rim. Known for its stunning vertical cliffs and narrow gorge, the park was forced to evacuate hundreds. Nearby, Bostwick Park received an evacuation order, and parts of a local highway were shut down due to advancing flames.
The ripple effects of the fires stretch far beyond state lines. Chirpich, the Minnesota resort owner, had plans to visit the Colorado park later in the week. Now he’s second-guessing the trip.
“I’m going to leave one smokehouse for another, I guess,” he said wryly.
Health, Travel, and Environmental Warnings
Health experts are urging residents and travelers to monitor air quality levels using EPA tools and local advisories. Smoke inhalation can trigger respiratory issues not only in vulnerable populations but also in healthy individuals exposed for prolonged periods. Travelers are encouraged to check national park status updates and consider flexible or delayed travel plans.
The Canadian wildfires are just the latest reminder of how climate change, prolonged droughts, and increasing forest fuel loads are creating longer, more intense wildfire seasons—not only in the U.S. West, but now across the entire North American continent.
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