BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality advises residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities due to smoky conditions, according to a news release. Wildfires in the western United States and Canada are sending smoke across parts of North Dakota.

According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, the chance of smoke returning at the surface today is fairly low and if so, it would be much lighter than on Wednesday. The surface smoke on Wednesday was caused by a cold front from Canada.

Environmental Quality closely monitors its statewide air sampling network, which contributes data into AirNow, the national Air Quality monitoring system, ensuring the public is well-informed and can take necessary precautions.

Revised in May, the AQI color designations now include updated ranges:

-Yellow-Moderate

– Orange – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

-Red-Unhealthy

-Purple-Very Unhealthy

-Maroon-Hazardous

Environmental Quality advises everyone to use common sense when wildfire smoke adversely affects air quality. When air quality is in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” this “unhealthy” range, people who are in sensitive groups (including those with respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children) may experience health effects during outdoor activities.

To decrease the potential for health issues, sensitive groups of people should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. People reacting to smoke to the extent that it affects breathing should seek immediate help from a medical provider. What you should do depends on the air quality index and your personal health status.

If you see or smell smoke, ways to protect your health include:

– Staying indoors with windows and doors closed until smoke levels

-Reducing outdoor physical activity

– Setting air conditioning units and car vents to re-circulate to prevent outdoor air from entering.