During the first few weeks of June, wildfires burning across Central and Western Canada released massive plumes of smoke, which were carried thousands of miles across North America by strong upper-level winds. 

The wildfire conditions in Canada also affected the United States, with smoke drifting southward and prompting the National Weather Service to issue air quality alerts across the Upper Midwest, including in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. 

According to satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  the smoke had reached the East Coast, including Appalachia, creating moderate air quality conditions in our region  the first week of June. Moderate air quality conditions are generally okay for most of the population, but can cause problems for people unusually sensitive to air pollution.  

The smoke was primarily coming from hundreds of fires burning in Canada’s boreal forests — particularly in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Approximately 2.3 million acres have burned across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, while an additional 1.2 million acres have been scorched in Northern Alberta, leading to widespread evacuation orders. Global climate change is among the factors leading to more frequent and worsening wildfires.

Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is one of the primary pollutants in wildfire smoke and poses health risks. These microscopic particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses to lodge deep in the lungs and reach the bloodstream, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. This can be especially concerning in Central Appalachian communities, where preexisting conditions like asthma and black lung disease are more common. Even short-term exposure to PM2.5 can irritate the lungs, trigger breathing problems and exacerbate chronic illnesses.

Recent air sensor data from a network of PurpleAir monitors in communities across Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee showed  increased PM2.5 concentrations during smoke incursions in the first week of June. Localized monitoring revealed elevated values at times when wildfire plumes drifted overhead, further corroborating that the smoke  made its way into Central Appalachia. In the past year, Appalachian Voices deployed numerous PurpleAir monitors as part of its Upper South and Appalachia Citizen Air Monitoring Project.

There are several steps residents can take to limit exposure during wildfire smoke events: 

First, stay informed by tracking real-time conditions. The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map incorporates data from the PurpleAir network. Second, limit outdoor activity — especially strenuous exercise — when air quality conditions worsen. Individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease or black lung disease are particularly vulnerable and should take extra care during periods of smoky air. Other potential steps for mitigating the health impacts of wildfire smoke can be found here or on the AirNow website.

As of this blog’s publication, air quality in Appalachia has largely returned to normal. However, the recent Canadian wildfire smoke showed that wildfires can affect even distant regions like Central Appalachia. Access to local air quality information remains an important tool for protecting public health. With more intense fire seasons expected in the years ahead, communities here will need to stay alert, informed and ready to protect themselves. Tools like PurpleAir empower residents to track real-time air quality and contribute to citizen science efforts that help fill critical data gaps — especially in rural areas — ensuring that more people have access to the information they need to stay safe.