Updated Northland Smoke-Related Cancellations, Closings, And Other Announcements

For the third straight day, thick wildfire smoke continues to impact the Northland, with air quality readings well beyond the threshold for "hazardous".

The smoke has been so bad that that some Northland organizations, businesses, and parks have started publicly responding to how or if they're operating during this extremely poor air quality.

Events and activities have been cancelled over the last couple of days, businesses and organizations have been adjusting operations, and some city work crews around the region are halting or altering work during this dangerous level of smoke in the region.

As different cancellations, closings, or other impacts and announcements are shared, I've been collecting them and adding them to the list below. If you are in charge of an organization, business, event, etc. and want to get the word out about smoke-related impacts, you can email me at cooper@mix108.com.

All of this dangerously hazardous air quality across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin yesterday is from wildfires rage on in and around the Boundary Waters and points north into Canada.

Where Are These Wildfires?

Just to give a snapshot of where this smoke is coming from, the maps below give a snapshot of where these fires are.

The top map shows a combination of wildfire data from the Minnesota wildfires as well as heat detections in Canada.

The bottom map from FEMA's wildfire activity resources shows a more detailed look at just the Minnesota fires, where they're located, and roughly how big they are.

FEMA / Wildfire.gov

Wildfire Smoke-Related Cancellations, Schedule Changes, Business Announcements

Some Northland businesses, parks, and organizations have been responding to the thick wildfire smoke and how it is impacting their operations this week. While not every place has issued a statement, here's an updated look at some of those smoke-related announcements that have been shared:

Friday Events & Announcements

The City of Superior has suspended outdoor work operations for city staff, including garbage collection until crews can be outfitted with proper protective gear and/or conditions improve. Garbage collection scheduled for the end of the week will resume early next week. More here.

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Lakeview National Golf Course has reopened Friday after being closed the last two days. They say the are "open for now", and will continue to monitor conditions.

A&Dubs Restaurant says they are suspending operations on Friday due to the smoke,

Pattison Park Golf Course said they are offering free masks to golfers playing during the poor air quality. They have two different varieties available. As of now, they remain open to golf during the poor air quality. The course did suspend operations Thursday, cancelling their Thursday leagues with plans to reopen Friday.

Spirit Mountain in Duluth has cancelled operations for Friday, which includes mountain biking, and the adventure park. After making some adjustments, they say summer camps have resumed for Friday, limited to indoor activities. The Riverside Bar & Grill will still be open.

Split Rock Lighthouse said they are once again adjusting its operations for Friday. Visitors will only be able to get grounds passes and are welcome to explore the grounds, visitor center, and outdoor areas. The interior of the lighthouse and keeper's house are closed for the day due to the smoke. This is the third day of these modified operations.

Nordic Auction cancelled their auction scheduled for Thursday, rescheduling it to Saturday, July 18th, starting at 10 am.

Weekend Events & Announcements

Bayfront Reggae& World Music Festival has been moved indoors into the DECC Arena. More info here.

Lake Superior Day scheduled for Sunday on Barker’s Island in Superior has been cancelled.

Duluth Taco Fest at the DECC on Saturday has been moved indoors to Pioneer Hall.

CJ Ham Youth Football Camps scheduled for Saturday (7/18) have been moved to Saturday, August 1st instead. All session times and locations (Duluth Denfeld HS) remain the same:

As for other outdoor events, activities, and businesses, there haven't been official announcements, but it might be a good idea to call ahead if you have plans to head somewhere that may be impacted by the poor air quality.

If you have an announcement you'd like to let me know about, you can email me at cooper@mix108.com.

Officials with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Wisconsin DNR urge everyone to consider staying indoors and out of the smoke if possible, as it can be hazardous to even healthy people at the levels being seen in the Northland.

Physical exertion through activities or outdoor work can make these impacts worse, as you will be breathing harder, causing you to breathe in more of the unhealthy particles in the air.