Air Quality In Waukesha Reaches 'Hazardous' Level Amid Wildfire Smoke

WAUKESHA, WI — The air quality in parts of Waukesha County reached hazardous levels Tuesday afternoon as wildfire smoke continues to drift across Wisconsin.

An air quality alert remains in effect across Wisconsin until noon Thursday. The air quality index in Waukesha reached 323 around 3:30 p.m., signifying a hazardous level of fine particle matter, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources air quality tracker.

At hazardous levels of air quality, federal guidelines call for everyone to avoid all physical activity outdoors. Meanwhile, sensitive groups should stay indoors and keep activity low.

Much of Milwaukee was blanketed with a visible haze Tuesday morning from the smoke. Waukesha's air was listed as unhealthy by 10 a.m., then very unhealthy by 2 p.m.. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's index was at 212 with very unhealthy air by 3:30 p.m., according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

You can find more information on current air quality in your region at airquality.wi.gov

State officials are encouraging people to keep their outdoor activities light and short throughout the statewide air quality advisory, which lasts into Thursday.

"Watch for symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath as a sign to take a break or move indoors," the DNR wrote in a news release. "Sensitive groups, which include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who work outdoors – should consider moving all events inside."

Officials said the best way to avoid wildfire smoke is to stay inside with your doors and windows closed. Run air conditioning on recirculate and use an indoor air purifier if possible.

State officials gave this advice for people who have to spend time outdoors:

• Check air quality conditions before leaving the house and throughout the day.
• Avoid or limit exercising outdoors.
• Consider wearing an N-95 mask, especially if outdoors for an extended period.

Forecasters said people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should avoid heavy exertion and consider avoiding all outdoor activities. Everyone else is asked to reduce or avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

The heaviest surface smoke was expected in the eastern half of the state from noon Tuesday until noon Wednesday. Forecasters said they cannot rule out the chance of the index reaching hazardous levels.

The DNR said you can protect yourself from smoke and low air quality in these ways:

• Stay indoors.
• Close doors and windows.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution - vacuuming, frying food, burning candles or using gas powered appliances.
• Install a high-efficiency air filter.
• Use an N95 mask if outdoors for long periods.

See also: Wildfire Smoke Returns To WI, Bringing 'Very Unhealthy' Air Quality