DNR: Air quality improving after Canadian wildfires [Video]

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – The Department of Natural Resources says Wisconsin’s air quality is improving after it was significantly impacted by Canadian wildfire smoke.

The Wisconsin DNR’s annual air quality trends report looks at data going back 20 years. It now includes 2023.

What we see in the report is how last year was impacted by Canada’s record-breaking wildfire season.

The report on the DNR’s website includes an interactive StoryMap that shows how smoke from the wildfires in Canada traveled hundreds if not thousands of miles, impacting air quality across North America.

The DNR says it resulted in some of the highest fine particulate matter concentrations ever recorded in Wisconsin.

That matter is called PM2.5. It can be harmful to your health and the environment.

During the 2023 wildfire season, the state DNR issued 15 PM2.5 advisories. And you might remember how often we had hazy, smoky skies.

Despite last year’s spikes from wildfire smoke, the PM2.5 levels have dropped 25% statewide in the …