LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – During the summer of 2025, Michigan endured a surge of wildfire smoke drifting from Canada. Northern winds and relentless fires have frequently plunged the state into “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or even “unhealthy” air-quality territory, prompting both advisories and alerts.
EGLE steps up with a central smoke hub.
On August 15, 2025, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched a dedicated wildfire smoke webpage to help residents understand the evolving threat. The platform explains the difference between an advisory (for “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels) and an alert (triggered at “unhealthy,” “very unhealthy,” or “hazardous” levels).
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It also clarifies how EGLE’s meteorologists forecast air quality and issue warnings, and even empowers citizens to participate with air-quality sensors of their own. The page further provides a link to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ “Your Health and Wildfire Smoke” guidance.
Why this matters to everyday Michiganders.
Doctors and health officials have emphasized that the fastest, deepest breaths – like those during exercise – mean more smoke inhaled, making outdoor activity especially risky on bad air days. In recent weeks, many parts of Michigan experienced periods where the air wasn’t safe for anyone to breathe freely, particularly during outdoor activities.
A tool for awareness – and action.
EGLE’s new web portal arrives just when Michigan needs it most. It demystifies the air-quality alarm system and equips residents with tools to monitor conditions proactively – whether through official forecasts or personal sensors. With the smoke season far from over, this resource is not only timely— it’s essential.
