The Mystery Of Smoke: Where Does It Come From?

Smoke is often a sign of fire, and in the case of wildfires, it can be a serious health hazard. With smoke travelling long distances from a fire, it's important to be aware of its presence and take precautions to protect yourself. Sources of smoke can be detected through satellite imagery and fire crews also use infrared technology and drones to monitor fires. As smoke can affect air quality, it is recommended to use air conditioning, heat pumps, and fans to maintain a smoke-free indoor environment. In some cases, evacuations may be necessary, and it is important to stay informed through local news media.

Wildfires in central Manitoba and Saskatchewan

As of May 21, 2025, wildfires are a concern in several Canadian provinces, including Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In Manitoba, a fire 6 km northeast of Lac du Bonnet is a priority due to its proximity to residential areas and properties. Evacuation orders have been issued for Wendigo Road and adjoining subdivisions, as well as for HWY 433 and Cape Coppermine Road. Manitoba Parks has also issued mandatory evacuation orders for park land in the area. Additionally, there is a fire in the community of Ingolf on the Ontario-Manitoba border, which is currently 23,281 hectares in size and not under control. Approximately 900 members of the Wabaseemong community have been evacuated.

In Saskatchewan, fire bans and restrictions are in effect across the central to southern regions of the province, extending from the western border to the eastern edge. The specific locations of these fires can be tracked using the BlueSky Canada smoke forecast, which provides estimates of when and where wildfire smoke events may occur over a two-day period. However, it is important to note that this forecast is considered experimental and may not always agree with local smoke concentrations and timing.

The risk of wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is influenced by various factors, including weather conditions. An arctic airmass is expected to bring dry air and clear skies to eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, increasing the fire risk. However, nationwide precipitation is expected to reduce fire risk by Friday. Additionally, thunderstorms are likely in central Alberta, which may bring relief to the southeastern prairies.

To protect yourself from the smoke caused by these wildfires, it is recommended to check your air quality and stay indoors as much as possible. N95 respirator masks can provide protection when outdoors, but cloth masks are ineffective against wildfire smoke. It is also advised to avoid strenuous activities during smoky times to reduce smoke inhalation.

Smoke drifting from North America to Upper Michigan

In recent times, there have been reports of smoke drifting from North America to Upper Michigan. This smoke is a result of wildfires in western North America, including Canada, and has been affecting the region's air quality. While the smoke is expected to stay aloft and not mix down to the surface over Upper Michigan, it still poses potential health risks for residents in the area.

The smoke from these wildfires has been drifting across the Great Lakes region, impacting Michigan's skies and causing hazy or smoky conditions. This is not an isolated incident, as wildfire smoke from Canada has affected Michigan multiple times in the past, leading to air quality alerts. The upper-air flow has allowed the smoke to drift into the United States, enhancing the vibrancy of the sun during sunrise and sunset and causing a milkier tint to the sky during the day.

The smoke from wildfires can have significant impacts on the air quality in affected areas. In response, it is recommended that individuals limit their time spent outdoors and reduce physical activity to minimize smoke inhalation. Cloth masks are not effective in protecting against wildfire smoke, but N95 respirator masks can provide some protection. Creating a clean air room indoors can also help reduce exposure to smoke.

While the current bout of wildfire smoke has been mostly concentrated high in the atmosphere, it is important for residents in Upper Michigan to stay informed about air quality conditions and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Wildfires and the resulting smoke can have far-reaching impacts, and it is crucial to be prepared and take appropriate actions to minimize potential health risks.

To conclude, the smoke drifting from North America to Upper Michigan is a cause for concern, and residents should remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their health and well-being during these challenging conditions.

Smoke from wildfires affecting air quality in Montana, North Dakota, etc

In recent years, smoke from wildfires has had a significant impact on air quality in several US states, including Montana and North Dakota. In May 2023, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reported that air quality in some parts of Montana had deteriorated to "unhealthy" levels due to wildfire smoke. The smoke was attributed to dozens of wildfires raging in Alberta and British Columbia, with no large fires burning within Montana itself. The DEQ classified the air quality in Great Falls, Helena, Flathead Valley, and Missoula as "unhealthy," while Hamilton, Bozeman, and Dillon were rated as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

During such periods of poor air quality, it is essential to take precautions to protect oneself from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Cloth masks, for instance, are ineffective against this type of smoke. Instead, N95 respirator masks are recommended for protection. Additionally, it is advisable to limit strenuous outdoor activities, such as mowing the lawn or running, when smoke levels are high. Creating a clean air room indoors can also help reduce smoke exposure, and using HEPA air filters in HVAC systems can improve indoor air quality.

Smoke forecasts play a crucial role in preparing for and mitigating the impact of wildfire smoke. Organizations like Montana DEQ provide smoke forecasts to help identify the source and project the duration and intensity of smoke events. These forecasts utilize various data sources, including monitor data, fire data, meteorology, satellite observations, and smoke-specific models. While these forecasts are essential, their accuracy can be affected by factors such as cloud cover or smoke obscuring satellite detection of fires.

In North Dakota, wildfire smoke has also impacted air quality in recent years. While specific details about the extent and severity of the impact are not readily available, it is safe to assume that similar precautions should be taken by residents to protect their health when smoke levels are high. This includes staying indoors when possible, using air conditioning or air filtration systems, and referring to local government resources for guidance on maintaining good air quality indoors.

As wildfire activity continues to increase, it is essential for residents of Montana, North Dakota, and other states prone to wildfire smoke intrusion to stay informed about air quality conditions and take the necessary steps to protect their health and well-being. Resources like AirNow.gov and local government websites can provide valuable information on smoke forecasts, air quality updates, and guidelines for reducing smoke exposure.

NASA satellites detecting fire hotspots

NASA's FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) uses satellite observations from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instruments to detect active fires and thermal anomalies. MODIS orbits Earth aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites, while VIIRS is aboard the joint NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite. When MODIS detects a thermal anomaly, which could indicate a wildfire or any significant source of heat, a computer algorithm identifies the centre of the 1-km2 area in which the anomaly is detected. This location is then plotted and made available to fire crews and wildland managers within three hours of the observation.

FIRMS provides active fire data, including the approximate location of a detected hotspot, generally within three hours of a satellite observation, with imagery available within four to five hours. Global active fire detections can be viewed interactively using the FIRMS Fire Map application, and active fire data for the past 24 hours, 48 hours, or week can be downloaded in various file formats. FIRMS users can also sign up to receive email fire alerts for specific areas of interest.

The ability to rapidly provide information about the approximate location and movement of individual wildfires using instruments aboard Earth-observing satellites is a global success story that is helping to save lives and property. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, has developed new software that helps link NASA's Earth science satellites together to form a virtual web of sensors with the ability to monitor the globe far better than individual satellites. An imaging instrument flying on one satellite can detect a fire or other hazards and automatically instruct a different satellite with more advanced imaging capabilities to capture more detailed images. If the images show that a potential hazard exists, the responding satellite provides data to ground controllers, who then report the fire to forest officials and to an interested science team.

Reducing smoke exposure during wildfires

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead:

• Check your community's outdoor air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI) on websites like AirNow.gov or your phone's weather app.
• Monitor fires in your area using mapping tools like AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map for North America or NOAA's Fire Weather Outlook page for fire watches and warnings.
• Understand the potential health risks associated with wildfire smoke, which can include respiratory issues, cardiovascular impacts, and adverse effects on pregnant women, young children, and older adults.

Stay Indoors:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities. If advised to stay indoors, choose a room that you can close off from outside air to minimize smoke exposure.
• Set up a portable air cleaner or a filter to maintain clean air in the designated room, even when the rest of the building or outdoors is smoky. Ensure proper ventilation.

Evacuate if Necessary:

Listen to emergency alerts and stay informed about evacuation orders. Some evacuation centers may not accept pets, so check with local animal shelters or rescue groups to plan for your pets' safety.

Protect Yourself Outdoors:

• If you must go outside, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator or an N95 mask, which can provide protection from wildfire smoke. Ensure it fits tightly to your face to filter out smoke before you inhale it.
• Avoid strenuous activities like mowing the lawn or running, as they can increase the amount of smoke you inhale.

Create a Clean Air Room:

If you cannot evacuate or access a smoke-free location, create a clean air room by spending time in a well-ventilated room with a portable air purifier or a DIY box fan filtration unit. Always follow safety guidelines when using such equipment.

It's important to stay informed, take proactive measures, and prioritize your health and safety during wildfires. Remember that smoke can travel long distances and affect air quality even in areas far from the fire source.

Frequently asked questions