Chicago’s Wildfire Smoke: What’s Happening and How to Stay Safe

What’s Going On? (The Big Picture)

Imagine huge forests in Canada catching fire. The smoke from those fires traveled south and covered Chicago like a big, dirty blanket. Because of that smoke, the Chicago area got an Air Quality Alert — basically, a warning that the air is not safe to breathe like normal.

• The alert was still in effect on Friday.
• For parts of the Chicago area in Illinois, the alert was extended through Saturday night.
• For parts of northwest Indiana, the alert will last until Monday.

Important Point: An Air Quality Alert means the air outside has too much yucky stuff in it, and it can hurt your body if you breathe it too long.

How Bad Was the Air?

Think of air quality like a report card for how clean the air is.

• Friday morning: The air was in the "hazardous" category (the worst level — very dangerous).
• Later Friday: It got a little better to "unhealthy" (still bad for everyone).
• Weather experts (ABC7 AccuWeather) said the worst air was in the morning, and it might get better in the afternoon.

Important Point: "Unhealthy" means the air is not safe for anyone — not just sick people or kids.

What About the Weather?

• Some rain and storms were expected Friday afternoon and evening.
• The rain might mix with smoke and leave a weird "sludge" behind.
• Saturday was supposed to have better air, but smoky skies could come back on Sunday.
• On Saturday, strong storms could happen around midday in southern Chicago areas.
• More wildfire smoke is expected to return to Chicago on Sunday.

What Got Closed or Changed?

The smoke caused a lot of changes in the city:

• Several big events were moved to another day:
  • A music show at Millennium Park
  • A Chicago Fire soccer game at Soldier Field
• The Chicago Park District closed all beaches and outdoor pools Friday (only indoor ones stayed open).
• All-day camps were moved inside.
• Later Friday, after air got a bit better, beaches reopened, but day camps stayed indoors.
• Osaka Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Lincoln Park Conservatory stayed closed Friday and reopened July 18.
• Night Out in the Parks and Movies in the Parks events were canceled Friday.
• Morton Arboretum’s outdoor areas were closed Friday (indoor programs continued).
• Roscoe Village Burger Fest stayed closed because of air worries.
• O’Hare airport had possible delays because the smoke made it hard to see.

How Did People and Events React?

Some events got lucky when the smoke temporarily left:

• At Taste of River North, people were happy to enjoy food and music again.
• Tacos y Tamales festival in Pilsen went on, with 50,000–70,000 people expected. Organizers told vendors they could skip a day if they wanted.

But not all events benefited:

• Chopper 7 (a news helicopter) showed Roscoe Village Burger Fest closed despite prep to open.

Travelers at the airport were not thrilled:

• Gary Coleman said he was glad to leave Chicago and the smog.
• Martic Davis and her granddaughter left town; her granddaughter said it was "smoky and foggy."
• Megan Maresco worried about flight delays for her softball trip.

What Do the Experts Say?

Health and science experts shared simple but serious advice:

• Dr. Soledad Cortina (eye doctor): Tiny smoke particles can hurt your eyes long-term, like tobacco smoke does.
• Patricia Ward (scientist): The air is "stuck" because of heat and no wind. Rain or wind from another direction will clear it. She says climate change may cause more of these events.
• HVAC tech Karol Derezinski: Check your home air filter. If it looks white but light won’t pass through, it’s clogged.
• AAA: In your car, use "recirculate" on A/C so outside smoke stays out.
• Dr. Fred Crawford (eye doctor): If you must go out, wear glasses instead of contact lenses and use over-the-counter fake tears.
• Dr. Juanita Mora (American Lung Association): If you can see and smell smoke, you’re breathing it. Stay home if you can.
• General tip: Drink water! Staying hydrated helps your lungs in smoky air.

Important Point: Bad air can affect you even indoors. Check filters and keep windows closed if possible.

Quick Steps to Protect Yourself

1. Stay inside if you don’t need to go out.
2. If driving, set A/C to recirculate mode.
3. Check and replace home air filters if clogged.
4. Wear glasses instead of contacts outdoors.
5. Use over-the-counter artificial teardrops if eyes feel dry.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Watch air quality alerts before weekend plans.

Summary

Chicago got covered in smoke from Canadian wildfires, causing an Air Quality Alert lasting through the weekend in some areas. The air was hazardous then unhealthy. Beaches, events, and parks closed or changed plans. Experts say the air is unsafe for everyone, so stay inside, protect your eyes, check filters, and drink water. Rain may help, but smoke could return Sunday.

FAQ

Q: What does "Air Quality Alert" mean in kid words?
A: It means the air outside has too much smoke and junk in it, so it’s not safe to play or breathe like normal.

Q: Is the smoke dangerous if I stay inside?
A: It can still affect you indoors, so check your air filter and keep windows shut if you can.

Q: Why did beaches close and then reopen?
A: They closed Friday because air was too unhealthy, then reopened after the air improved a little later that day.

Q: Will the smoke come back?
A: Yes, experts say smoky skies could return on Sunday even after Saturday’s better air.

Q: What’s the easiest way to stay safe?
A: Stay home if you can, drink water, and if you go out, wear glasses and use car recirculate mode.

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