Milwaukee’s air quality was heavily impacted on July 16 and 17 by the smoke coming from the Canadian wildfires. Many locations on the UWM campus were affected, as well as around the city as a whole.
This dangerous air quality led to the cancellation of several events and even the closure of businesses because of the severity of the high Air Quality Index (AQI) number.
One UWM event cancelled was the Transfer and Adult Student Orientation (TASO), which is an optional in-person orientation for incoming students who are transferring to UWM or entering as adults.
The Air Quality Index measured more than 600 on Thursday, July 16. An AQI of 101 to 150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy and anything higher than that is considered hazardous.
UWM Post published a forecast on Thursday, July 16. Keep up with the air quality on the airnow.gov website.
The DNR recommends the following actions in response to the conditions:
- Check air quality conditions before going outside and throughout the day. AirNow lets you type in your ZIP code for a look at current air quality and alerts.
- Shorten or modify outdoor activities. Watch for symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath as a sign to take a break or move indoors.
- Consider wearing an N-95 mask, especially if outdoors for an extended period.
- Sign up for air quality notices on the DNR’s website.
Pictures of the Sun, Morning of July 16
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Outside UWM Mellencamp Hall and behind Mitchell Hall. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
View from UWM Student Union balcony. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
View from outside Mellencamp Hall on UWM campus. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Mitchell Hall with smoke and sun above. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Oconomowoc Credit: Mitch Utlaut
UWM Campus in Smoke
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley
UWM Kenilworth Square Apartments
Pictures from Milwaukee Lakefront
Side-by-Side Comparison
UWM’s Response & Air Quality Advisory:
“Wildfire smoke has drifted into the Milwaukee area, creating hazardous air quality conditions. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory through noon Friday and indicated that the advisory may be extended if conditions do not improve.”
“The university remains open for business. Should employees or students feel that they cannot safely work, attend class or travel to campus, they can contact supervisors or instructors to make alternate arrangements or take leave. Individual programs should consider whether cancellation or relocation of outdoor or indoor activities is appropriate and communicate directly with participants.”
“Facility Services has taken steps to minimize infiltration of wildfire smoke in UWM buildings. However, some wildfire smoke odor and, to a lesser extent, fine particulate matter will still make its way into campus buildings. If you encounter an area inside a UWM building where the smoke is unusually heavy, please submit a work order or call 414-229-4742 so that Facility Services can investigate the ventilation system.”
“Outdoor air pollutants can affect health by causing short-term symptoms like shortness of breath or coughing. People engaging in physical activity are at greater risk of inhaling a variety of pollutants. Those with pre-existing pulmonary or cardiac conditions are at a greater risk for health impacts related to the inhalation of pollutants.”
-Sent via email to UWM students.