South Dakota Air Alert Due to Wildfire Smoke

By Scout Nelson

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), alongside the Department of Health (DOH), has issued an air quality alert for May 31 through June 1, 2025. This alert comes as smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to drift into South Dakota, raising fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels and reducing visibility.

The smoke may create hazardous air quality conditions, especially for elderly people, children, and those with respiratory illnesses like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, reduce physical exertion, and stay indoors with windows and doors closed to keep indoor air clean.

“Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD,” the Department of Health emphasized. Anyone experiencing symptoms like coughing, chest pain, or shortness of breath should consult a healthcare provider.

DANR recommends monitoring real-time PM2.5 levels online. Any reading above 35 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) may pose health risks.

South Dakotans can track local air quality data through the DANR website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or the EPA’s AirNow tool at https://www.airnow.gov.

The alert will remain active until air quality conditions improve. Health and environmental officials stress the importance of staying informed and taking precautions, especially during wildfire season.

Photo Credit: ontario-ministry-of-natural-resources