I’m posting this article a few days early because of the air quality we are receiving. The air quality index of 200 is considered unhealthy, and as of noon today the air quality index is 400 to 500 and is considered HAZARDOUS.

I guess the unbearable heat and humidity the wasn’t enough to deal with a few days ago, but now our air quality in the Northwoods is considered a health issue. The wildfires in Minnesata and another wildfire in Canada is to blame for this unhealthy air we are breathing. The wildfire in northern Minnesota started near the boundary waters and it was said, lighting was the cause.

The second fire causing not only northern Wisconsin unhealthy air quality, but this smoke is also affecting the entire mid-western states is coming from Canada. I could not tell you if this is true, but I read the Canada wildfire was supposedly started by a chain saw. Either way these two fires are causing so much devastation and evacuations. So, I would say, it’s better to deal with the smoke than what is happening north of us.

Here is a fact that folks won’t be too surprised at. 98% of all wildfires are caused by humans, and most are started by campfires. Could these fires by humans be lowered? You bet they can. At some point I’m sure we all seen the one of the DNR signs displaying fire danger levels.

If not, here they are.
LOW – normal outdoor activities are fine.
MODERATE – caution should be monitored when burning.
HIGH – outdoor burning is discouraged.
VERY HIGH – burning permits are suspended.
EXTREME – burning is prohibited.

If you have a burn barrel or fire ring and have ever put a limb with dead pine needles in the fire, you know how fast that burns and disintegrates. Well, that’s how fast fire will spread through a forest too.

That being said, I would think when burning anything outdoors, common sense kicks in.  If we haven’t had rain for a while or wind could be an issue, just don’t start a fire. Then once a fire is burning, just be vigilant and once you are ready to call it a night make sure the coals/wood is totally extinguished, by either dousing the fire with water or even using sand/dirt.