City of Milwaukee Suspends Some Services Due to Air Quality Residents Urged to Limit Outdoor Exposure

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to impact air quality across southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory, and air quality is expected to remain unhealthy through at least Friday. Conditions may change throughout the day as smoke concentrations shift.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) are urging people to limit their exposure to smoky air, especially children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. During periods of very poor air quality, even healthy individuals may experience eye irritation, coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath.

Due to poor air quality, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) and Department of Public Works (DPW) are modifying operations to help protect employee health and safety. Based on guidance from MHD, DPW is suspending non-emergency field operations, and only emergency outdoor work will be performed until conditions improve.

MHD is evaluating clinic operations throughout the day and may temporarily modify or suspend services at some locations as conditions warrant. Employees who are able to work remotely have been directed to do so, while essential staff will continue to provide critical public health services.

Garbage and recycling collection services are suspended until further notice, and City of Milwaukee Drop Off Centers are closed.

The City Tow Lot will close at 1:00 p.m. today. Residents are encouraged to call 414-286-2700 before visiting, as some questions or issues may be resolved over the phone.

City officials will continue to monitor air quality conditions and determine when it is safe to resume normal operations. Residents should visit milwaukee.gov/dpw for the latest information on service impacts and collection schedules.

People are encouraged to:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

• Keep windows and doors closed.

• Run air conditioning on recirculate, if available.

• Use a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency air filter if you have one.

• If you must spend time outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator.

• Check on neighbors, family members, and others who may be especially vulnerable to poor air quality.

Air quality can vary significantly across Milwaukee depending on wind and smoke conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor real-time conditions before spending time outdoors using AirNow.gov, IQair.com, or the Milwaukee Fresh Air Collective community sensor network.

Anyone experiencing severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or worsening respiratory symptoms should seek medical care immediately.