Home / Environment / Rare Smoke Warning Issued for Mackinac Bridge
Rare Smoke Warning Issued for Mackinac Bridge
16 Jul
Summary
- Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota smothers Upper Peninsula skies.
- Mackinac Bridge issues rare warning, advises 20 mph speed limit.
- Statewide Air Quality Alert issued due to wildfire smoke.
Wildfire smoke originating from Canada and northeastern Minnesota has significantly reduced visibility across parts of the Upper Peninsula, prompting a rare Wildfire Smoke Warning for the Mackinac Bridge. Drivers crossing the five-mile span are now advised to limit their speed to 20 miles per hour and use low-beam headlights due to the dense haze. The Mackinac Bridge Authority is closely monitoring the situation and will implement further measures if conditions deteriorate.
This widespread air pollution has also triggered a statewide Air Quality Alert in Michigan, warning of potential health issues for individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, as well as for children and the elderly. The smoke is expected to drift south, impacting areas in Ohio and Indiana by later this evening.
The wildfires contributing to this smoke have been burning since July 6 in Minnesota's Boundary Waters area, a region that has since been temporarily closed by the U.S. Forest Service due to extreme fire danger and unpredictable spread. Fire crews are actively working to combat these blazes.
