Latest news with #WisconsinDepartmentofNaturalResources
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
What to know about Canadian wildfire smoke's effect on Wisconsin, Milwaukee air quality
If the sky looks hazy to you, it's because smoke from Canadian wildfires is hitting Wisconsin. The wildfire smoke will likely mean poor air quality conditions for much of the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Here's what to know, including where the smoke is coming from, how Wisconsin's air quality is expected to be impacted and where to check current air quality conditions: The wildfire smoke will move into southern Wisconsin May 30, mixing toward the surface in the late morning or early afternoon and lingering through the night, according to a post on X from the National Weather Service-Milwaukee. The smoke is coming from Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, according to the Wisconsin DNR. Rising heat, winds, and dry air sparked blazes in those Canadian provinces. The fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in both provinces and resulted in the evacuation of at least 17,000 people, in what officials are calling "a very serious situation," USA TODAY reported. A statewide Air Quality Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. May 30 until 6 a.m. May 31, according to the Wisconsin DNR Facebook post. While the advisory is set to expire at 6 a.m. May 31, smoke impacts may continue, which could extend the advisory for some areas. "Air quality has some degradations basically across much of the state," said Aidan Kuroski, meteorologist for the NWS-Milwaukee. "Although, it's definitely going to be more impactful further east." As of 9:30 a.m. May 30, much of the state's air quality was in the "good" to "moderate" range in regards to its Air Quality Index, Kuroski said. But, he expected the air quality to fall to the "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range as the day went on. While it's possible for the air quality to reach "unhealthy" levels, Kuroski didn't expect that to happen in Wisconsin. As of 9:30 a.m. May 30, the air quality was still listed as "good," according to the Air Quality Index at It's OK for Wisconsinites to be active outdoors, but they should take more breaks, the DNR said in a May 29 statement. If symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath arise, they should take a break or move indoors. Wisconsin residents who are a part of sensitive groups — including those with heart disease, lung disease or preexisting respiratory conditions, like asthma — should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, the DNR and NWS advised. Here are some ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, according to the state's DNR: The best way to prevent breathing particles from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors. Close windows and doors. Run A/C on recirculate with a new high-efficiency filter. Keep indoor air clean by: Avoiding activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as vacuuming, burning candles, frying foods or using gas appliances. Reducing airborne dust by using a damp cloth to dust the home and trap the particles rather than a dry cloth or duster that might make them airborne again. Use an indoor air purifier. Cancel outdoor events or move them indoors, especially for children. Create a DIY temporary air filter. Current air quality conditions and air quality forecasts can be found at This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Canadian wildfire smoke hits Wisconsin; air quality alert issued
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Department of Natural Resources warning Wisconsinites over statewide Air Quality Advisory due to Canadian wildfire smoke
(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that a state-wide Air Quality Advisory is set to begin at 6 a.m. on Friday, and is urging residents to be cautious as a result. The Advisory is due to the smoke coming from Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Cool Place in Pulaski seeks community help to stay afloat amidst business slowdown Hazy skies and particle pollution will likely cause poor conditions for most, if not all, of the state, the DNR said. The DNR's release said to expect the following: The initial round of smoke is expected in or around northwestern Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon, and pushing southeast throughout the evening On Friday morning, heavier smoke is forecast to come from the north and push south The advisory at this time is set to expire at 6 a.m. Saturday, but the smoke impact could continue in some spots Rain turns to thunderstorms for Friday The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the 'Orange' level, which is unhealthy for sensitive individuals, across much of the state. It is also possible that it may rise to the 'Red' level of unhealthy. Individuals should be wary of symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. If symptoms arise, people should take a break or go inside. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin
(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging anglers to do their part in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species during the fishing season. Anglers can do so through multiple methods, including draining water from boats and equipment. The first full weekend of June is fishing themed, with the DNR's Free Fun Weekend from June 7-8 and the Clean Boats, Clean Waters annual Drain Campaign from June 6-8. 'Pig wandered from home after going AWOL': Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin reunites farmer with pig using construction vehicle The campaign is centered on draining water from livewells, boats and equipment prior to leaving a boat launch or fishing spot. It's critical to do so as some bodies of water in Wisconsin contain aquatic diseases or small invasive species, and doing this can help prevent them from spreading. There are various laws to prevent them from being introduced and/or spread statewide. Click here to see them. Using ice to transport fish away from the shore is also recommended. Some tips include preserving dead bait in a manner that will not require freezing. It's also crucial to never dispose of bait in a lake or a river. Worms that won't be used should be thrown out in a closed container in a trash can. Appleton International Airport announces its fifth airlilne to help travelers escape 'winter chill' More tips, according to the DNR, are as follows: Thoroughly inspect all fishing equipment Remove all attached plants or animals Drain all water from containers and equipment, no more than two gallons of water for minnows Never move live fish away from a water body Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash in a closed container More regulations are available on the DNR website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘It might just save your life': Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges ATV/UTV riders to be safe over Memorial Day weekend
(WFRV) – With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon and plenty of people ready to go out and about to celebrate the holiday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging ATV/UTV riders to follow safe practices. According to a release, 40 people died in ATV/UTV crashes statewide in 2024, most of whom were not wearing helmets. Appleton Police Department partnering with Herrling Clark Law Firm to giveaway bike helmets All occupants, including an ATV or UTV operator, should wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Seatbelts should also be worn if available, specifically in a UTV. 'We know that speed and reckless operation are among the top contributing factors to crashes each year,' Lieutenant Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, said. 'Those crashes could be prevented with responsible operation and education.' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive collects 150,000+ pounds of food for area pantries As with any vehicle, residents are urged to be fully sober while operating an ATV or UTV. Additionally, it is crucial to travel in known areas, follow signs and let somebody not riding with you know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Safety regulations and classes can be found on the DNR's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
DNR responds to manure spill in Monroe County, fish kill reported in local creeks
MONROE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responding to a manure spill that has impacted several waterways in Monroe County. Officials say the DNR was notified of the spill on Saturday, May 17, and began spill response efforts over the weekend. The spill reportedly originated southwest of Norwalk and has affected water quality in Spring Valley Creek, Moore Creek, and the Kickapoo River. Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District reveals new Effluent Disc Filters Fish kills have been observed in both Spring Valley and Moore creeks, though the number and species of dead fish have not yet been determined. The DNR says the spill continues to move through the watershed, further degrading water quality. Shawano native and U.S. Army Air Forces Private killed in World War II accounted for While an exact amount of manure spilled has not been disclosed, preliminary findings suggest recent rainfall likely washed manure off cropland where it had been applied. DNR staff remain on the scene and are actively monitoring conditions while assessing possible cleanup and mitigation strategies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
