LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Canadian wildfire smoke didn’t just pollute Michigan skies, trigger back-to-back air quality alerts, and choke residents; it also burned a significant hole in the state’s economy.

The Anderson Economic Group estimates Michigan lost more than $4 billion due to the Canadian wildfires. The group says the true economic loss may be even higher. Patrick Anderson told WILX that the hefty price tag covers several sectors. “Agriculture, tourism, even manufacturing, transport, retail — and if you all of a sudden tell people, ‘You can’t go outside for four days,’ it’s going to cost you something,” Anderson said.

He added, “The $4 billion… is just direct income loss. You also have health losses.”

The firm said the wildfire smoke forced the closure of amusement parks, canceled regional fairs and sporting events, caused people to reschedule their vacations, reduced visitors to tourist attractions, and put outdoor workers at risk, with some requiring medical attention.

“We can already observe closures and reduced activity at parks, businesses serving customers in the open air, health clubs, and other locations where people would otherwise be exercising, relaxing, dining, working, or just enjoying the outdoors,” said Richard Melstrom, an environmental economist at Anderson Economic Group. “Our preliminary estimates, based on early data, indicate these losses total many billions of dollars.”

Michigan wasn’t the only state feeling the heat. Anderson Economic Group reported that Wisconsin lost about $2 billion, while New York lost roughly $5 billion. More costs are likely to accumulate.

More than 830 wildfires are currently burning in Canada as crews from across the continent work to contain them. Residents can check air quality conditions here.