Air quality alert in place for South Dakota

Visibility may be reduced from smoke and flames when grass and crop stubble are being burned, such as in this April 4 fire in southeastern Ottawa County. (Photo by Tim Unruh.)

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources issued an air quality alert for areas of South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada is forecast to settle.

The smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter pollution. The South Dakota Department of Health advises that these levels may be a concern to public health and provides additional resources to make an informed decision on personal healthcare choices.

The alert went into effect May 14, and it will stay in place until conditions improve.