If you happened to be in Central Illinois this Sunday, you might have noticed an unusual haze blanketing the sky. This wasn’t any ordinary fog; it was a result of wildfire smoke traveling all the way from Canada, significantly deteriorating the air quality and making it risky to breathe.
The smoke mingled with the sun’s UV rays and oxygen in the air, creating complex chemical reactions. This combination not only caused a murkiness that reduced visibility but also left a lingering scent reminiscent of burning plastic.
Health authorities are urging residents to stay indoors whenever possible. For those who must venture outside, they advise wearing N-95 masks for protection. One local in Champaign recounted their experience with the worsening conditions on Sunday.
“As I stepped out of my house this morning, I initially didn’t register the warnings my son had given me about the distant fires. I caught a whiff of smoke and then noticed a thick haze surrounding me. It suddenly hit me—this was all the way from Canada. I couldn’t believe it,” shared Ginny Unger-Freeman, a resident of Champaign.
There have also been a couple of pool closings in the area because of the smoke in the air. You can find out more about those closures here.