BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is actively monitoring Canadian wildfires, which are expected to affect air quality across the state in the coming days. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, children, and older adults, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The public is also encouraged to limit such activities when smoke is present.

Environmental Quality closely monitors its statewide air sampling network across the state and encourages residents to stay informed through the AirNow.gov website and mobile app for current air quality conditions.

Environmental Quality advises everyone to use common sense when wildfire smoke adversely impacts air quality. What you should do depends on the air quality index and your personal health status. When air quality is in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” range, affected individuals may experience health effects during outdoor activities. Residents are advised to:

Reduce or avoid strenuous outdoor
Stay indoors with windows and doors closed if smoke is visible or detectable.
Limit activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, use of wood-burning devices, unnecessary vehicle trips and idling.

Air quality may change quickly due to shifting wind patterns. Visit AirNow’s AQI Basics page for information on how to interpret the Air Quality Index (AQI) and its impact on your health.

For real-time information on air quality and smoke conditions, visit:

Air Quality Index & Map: www.airnow.gov
Fire and Smoke Map: fire.airnow.gov
North Dakota Air Monitoring: deq.nd.gov/AQ/monitoring
National Weather Forecast for ND: graphical.weather.gov – ND
Wildfire Smoke Forecasts: firesmoke.ca

For general health-related smoke concerns, contact the North Dakota Health and Human Services Department of Operations Center Hotline at 866-207-2880. Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing difficulty breathing.