Vernon County residents urged to limit outdoor activity as Minnesota wildfire smoke pushes into Wisconsin

July 16, 2026

By Tim Hundt

VIROQUA, Wis. — A statewide air quality advisory remains in effect across Wisconsin as smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota blankets much of the state, pushing air pollution levels into the unhealthy to hazardous range and prompting health officials to warn residents to stay indoors.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has extended the advisory through noon Friday, citing elevated levels of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. The agency said air quality index readings were expected to reach the Unhealthy (Red) to Hazardous (Maroon) categories.

As of Thursday morning, DNR officials reported widespread Very Unhealthy (Purple) to Hazardous (Maroon) PM2.5 conditions across nearly all of Wisconsin.

In southwest Wisconsin, conditions have varied along a boundary stretching roughly from Prairie du Chien to Platteville. Cleaner air was observed in portions of Grant, Lafayette and Crawford counties, though officials said the boundary could shift throughout the day before moving back southwest overnight.

For Vernon County residents, local health officials are urging extra precautions as smoke continues to affect the region.

The Vernon County Health Department encouraged residents to check on friends, family members and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to poor air quality, including older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions.

Health officials advised sensitive groups to remain indoors and keep physical activity to a minimum. People with asthma were urged to follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medications available. Those with heart disease should monitor for symptoms including heart palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue and contact a health care provider if they occur.

State officials are recommending that all residents avoid outdoor physical activity until conditions improve.

The smoky conditions are being driven by wildfire smoke moving south from Canada and Minnesota. According to the DNR, air quality is expected to improve from west to east on Friday as southerly winds strengthen ahead of an approaching weather system.

While much of Wisconsin could see improving conditions by Friday afternoon, officials cautioned that the advisory could be extended again in some areas, particularly eastern Wisconsin along Lake Michigan and parts of northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior, where smoke may linger longer.

Residents can monitor current conditions and forecasts through Wisconsin’s air quality website at airquality.wi.gov.