Science & Nature
Wildfire Smoke Blankets Chicago as Air Quality Alert Issued With ‘Hazardous’ Levels of Pollution Expected
Video: Joining “Chicago Tonight” on July 16, 2026, is Scott Collis, an atmospheric scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. (Produced by Blake Thor)
Wildfires burning across Canada and Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are sending smoke across the Great Lakes, creating unhealthy to hazardous air quality conditions.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air pollution action day for the northeastern part of the state.
People within sensitive groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respiratory issues should avoid outdoor activity when air quality reaches “unhealthy” levels. Everyone should stay indoors at “hazardous” levels.
On Thursday morning, Chicago’s air quality was at “very unhealthy” levels, meaning everyone should avoid physical activity outdoors.
The Chicago Park District has shut down all outdoor beaches and pools on Thursday, officials announced.
Storms and stronger winds from the southwest are expected to begin clearing out the smoke Friday and air quality should improve significantly by Saturday.
A lifeguard is on duty as beachgoers take a dip in Lake Michigan shortly before the Chicago Park District closed beaches for the day due to hazardous air quality on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Wildfire smoke blankets Chicago as a hazardous air quality alert is issued on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
A tour boat guide on the Chicago River opts for a mask amid a hazardous air quality alert due to northern wildfires on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Wildfire smoke blankets Chicago as a hazardous air quality alert is issued on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Wildfire smoke blankets Chicago as a hazardous air quality alert is issued on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Pedestrians in downtown Chicago opt for masks amid hazardous air quality alerts on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Wildfire smoke blankets Chicago as a hazardous air quality alert is issued on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Highway 41 in Highland Park is pictured on July 16, 2026. (Jay Smith / WTTW News)
Pedestrians in downtown Chicago opt for masks amid hazardous air quality alerts on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Wildfire smoke blankets Chicago as a hazardous air quality alert is issued on July 16, 2026. (Victor Hilitski / WTTW News)
Lightning strikes touched off the wildfires, with firefighters currently battling more than a dozen active fires. The million-acre Boundary Waters has been closed, with campers and paddlers being evacuated from remote regions.
The U.S. Forest Service said drought, heat and high winds contributed to dangerous conditions. Also fueling the fire: Acres of dead balsam fir trees, killed by the spruce budworm. The balsam are flammable even when healthy, but the dead timber is effectively acting as kindling.
Minnesota media outlets are reporting that it could take months to completely contain the fires.
“There will be some fire on the ground, in some form or fashion, along with smoke, until it snows,” incident meteorologist Phil Manuel said during a press briefing Wednesday.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
