(This story has been updated to add new information)
Smoke from Canadian wildfires and extreme heat has reached Monroe County, causing hazardous air quality and several cancelations for Thursday, July 16. Monroe County residents report seeing and smelling smoke in the air.
- The Monroe County Museum System’s Territorial Park on the River Raisin and the Vietnam Veterans Museum will be closed July 16-17.
- Monroe Charter Township has temporarily suspended open burning permits until further notice.
- The Monroe County Fair’s Softball Championship Game set for July 16 has been canceled. The game will not be made up.
- The Motown Eagles concert scheduled for July 16 at St. Mary’s Park has been canceled. “We will attempt to reschedule and announce at a later time if we get a new date,” the City of Monroe’s Parks and Recreation department posted on Facebook.
- Monroe Public Schools has canceled all summer school classes and athletics for July 16. Knabusch Center also has canceled classes. Daycare at Riverside remains open.
- MPS’ summer meal distribution is canceled for July 16 at Munson Park, St. Mary’s Park, Father Cairns Park and Greenwood. Meals will be available at Raisinville Elementary School, Labor Park and Monroe County Community College.
- Because of extremely hot weather, Bedford’s Community Stadium is closed until at least July 16, according to Bedford Public Schools’ Facebook page.
Stay safe
The Monroe County Health Department and Frenchtown Township Fire Department offer these tips to stay safe:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors closed.
- Run the air conditioner on the recirculate setting or use an air purifier if possible.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities and exercise.
- Watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in your eyes, nose or throat.
- If you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, allergies or other respiratory conditions, keep your prescribed medications or rescue inhaler with you and limit time outdoors.
- Older adults, young children and pregnant women should take extra precautions by remaining indoors whenever possible.
- Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors and limit their time outside as well.
- If you must be outdoors, especially for an extended period, wear a properly fitted N95 respirator. N95 masks are designed to filter the fine particles found in wildfire smoke and provide significantly better protection than cloth or surgical masks
- If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe respiratory symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan, visit the MiAir website…