SEPTEMBER 8, 2023:
The past few months have seen air quality alerts being issued for areas across South Dakota where smoke from Canadian wildfires sporadically settles in.
State Fire Meteorologist Dr. Darren Clabo says the fires were started around mid-May.
Clabo doesn’t expect the fires to be put out anytime soon saying there’s a lot of fuel for fires in Canada.
Clabo says whether or not the smoke stays high in the atmosphere and floats past us or descends to impact human, animal and plant life on the ground is determined by a few different factors. He uses this week (Sept. 4-8, 2023) as an example.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre website shows that as of yesterday (Sept. 7, 2023), there are 596 fires burning out of control, 203 considered under control and another 163 that are categorized as “being held”– which means not growing in size, but also not shrinking.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2023, 8AM CT UPDATE:
An air quality alert remains in effect for areas across South Dakota where smoke from Canadian wildfires is settling in. The alert is in effect through tomorrow (Sept. 7, 2023) or until conditions improve.
Data for the Pierre/Fort Pierre area as of 8am CT showed the air quality is “unhealthy.” Similar readings also registered in the Rapid City, Wind Cave, Badlands, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, Brookings and Watertown areas.
The South Dakota Departments of Health and Agriculture and Natural Resources say smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter pollution. The agencies advise that these levels may be a concern to public health, with elderly citizens, young children and individuals with respiratory problems being the most susceptible. All people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
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SEPTEMBER 5, 2023:
An air quality alert remains in effect for areas across South Dakota where smoke from wildfires is settling in. The alert is in effect through Thursday (Sept. 7, 2023) or until conditions improve.
The South Dakota Departments of Health and Agriculture and Natural Resources say smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter pollution. The agencies advise that these levels may be a concern to public health, with elderly citizens, young children and individuals with respiratory problems being the most susceptible. All people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
AUGUST 31, 2023:
An air quality alert remains in effect for areas across South Dakota where smoke from wildfires is settling in. The alert is in effect until conditions improve.
Data for the Pierre/Fort Pierre area as of 10am CT showed the air quality is “moderate.” Similar readings also registered in the Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Sioux Falls and Vermillion areas.
AUGUST 30, 2023:
An air quality alert remains in effect for areas across South Dakota where smoke from wildfires is settling in. The alert is in effect through tomorrow (August 31, 2023) or until conditions improve.
Data for the Pierre/Fort Pierre area as of 1pm CT showed the air quality is “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Similar readings also registered in the Sioux Falls and Vermillion areas.
The South Dakota Departments of Health and Agriculture and Natural Resources say smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter pollution. The agencies advise that these levels may be a concern to public health, with elderly citizens, young children and individuals with respiratory problems being the most susceptible. All people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
Information credit South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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AUGUST 29, 2023:
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) issued an air quality alert for areas across South Dakota where smoke from wildfires is forecasted to settle this week. The smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) advises that these levels may be a concern to public health and provides additional resources to make an informed decision on personal healthcare choices.
The alert is in effect through Thursday, August 31, 2023, or until conditions improve.
Elderly citizens, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems are the most susceptible to the smoke. All people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.
DANR provides air quality data on the department’s website for several locations in South Dakota. Hourly PM2.5 values greater than 35 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/
AUGUST 20, 2023:
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) issued an air quality alert for areas across South Dakota where smoke from wildfires is forecast to settle this weekend (Aug. 19-20, 2023). The smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) advises that these levels may be a concern to public health and provides additional resources to make an informed decision on personal healthcare choices.
The alert is in effect through Sunday, August 20, 2023, or until conditions improve.
Elderly citizens, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems are the most susceptible to the smoke. All people should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.
DANR provides air quality data on the department’s website for several locations in South Dakota. Hourly PM2.5 values greater than 35 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health.
Individuals may track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANR’s website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPA’s website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
An explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning can be found at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.
For an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC visit https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.
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