Wildfire Smoke Prompts Closures, Cancellations Across Lake, McHenry Counties

Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has moved into northern Illinois, creating unhealthy air quality conditions across Lake and McHenry counties and prompting several closures and cancellations Thursday.

• Wildfire Smoke May Reach Illinois Thursday, Poor Air Quality Continues

Health officials have warned that wildfire smoke can create risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with asthma, lung disease, heart conditions or other health concerns.

• Patch.com will monitor for closures Friday. Check back for updates.

Here is a look at what closed Thursday:

Six Flags Great America Closed Early Thursday

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee closed early Thursday afternoon because of air quality concerns related to wildfire smoke. The amusement park and Hurricane Harbor Chicago closed operations at 3 p.m. Thursday as smoke conditions affected the region.

As of Friday morning, Six Flags had not announced another closure but was continuing to monitor conditions and advised guests to check for updates before visiting.

Grayslake Aquatic Center Closed Due to Poor Air Quality

The Grayslake Aquatic Center announced it would be closed Thursday due to poor air quality. The closure included the cancellation of scheduled swim lessons and water aerobics sessions.

“We apologize for any inconvenience,” the center said in a notice to residents. Anyone with questions was asked to contact the Grayslake Aquatic Center at 847-223-7665.

Libertyville Pools Closed Due to Poor Air Quality

Adler Pool and Riverside Pool in Libertyville were closed Thursday. The Libertyville Recreation Department said the closures were due to unhealthy air conditions. If conditions improve, updates will be posted through the district’s Rainout Line.

Residents can check for updates through the Rainout Line or call 224-295-5722 for current information.

Crystal Lake Park District Closes Beaches, Cancels Outdoor Programs

The Crystal Lake Park District closed Main Beach, West Beach and the beach at Three Oaks Recreation Area on Thursday.

In addition to the beach closures, the combination of high heat and hazardous breathing conditions prompted the the Crystal Lake Park District to postpone Thursday night’s Art at the Depot event. The event will now be held Thursday, Aug. 20, as part of the final date of the Dusk at the Depot series.

“The Illinois EPA has declared today a Red Forecast Air Pollution Day, which discourages prolonged outside activities and exertion,” organizers said in a statement.

Officials said the decision was made to protect the health and safety of artists, performers, volunteers and attendees.

Organizers encouraged residents to attend the Aug. 20 event, which will feature a combined and expanded program.

Algonquin Summer Concert Canceled Due to Air Quality

The Village of Algonquin canceled Thursday night’s Reckless Chicago summer concert because of unhealthy air quality conditions caused by wildfire smoke.

“Due to unhealthy air quality, we've made the difficult decision to cancel tonight's Reckless Chicago summer concert,” village officials said in a statement. “The health and safety of our guests, vendors, performers, and staff always comes first.”

Officials thanked residents for their understanding and said they look forward to welcoming concertgoers back the following week at Towne Park.

Independence Grove Amenities Closed Due to Poor Air Quality

Several amenities at Independence Grove Forest Preserve were closed Thursday because of poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke.

The Beer Garden, Marina and Relish Café at Independence Grove were closed due to unhealthy air conditions.

Officials advised visitors to monitor conditions and check for updates before planning visits to the preserve.

Other Closures and Cancellations

Additional facilities, programs and outdoor events across Lake and McHenry counties have been canceled or modified because of concerns over wildfire smoke.

Officials are continuing to monitor conditions and may announce additional closures or schedule changes Friday. Residents are encouraged to check with individual facilities, park districts and event organizers before heading out.

Health Officials Urge Caution

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can irritate the lungs and worsen existing health conditions. The McHenry County Department of Health is advising residents to take precautions while unhealthy air quality conditions continue across the region.

Officials recommend residents:

• Limit strenuous outdoor activity.
• Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when air quality is unhealthy.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning with the re-circulation setting if available.
• Use high-efficiency air filters or portable air cleaners when available.
• Avoid activities that add particles indoors, including smoking, burning candles or other sources of indoor smoke.
• Monitor children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions, who may be more sensitive to poor air quality.

Residents who must be outdoors should reduce the intensity and duration of activity, take frequent breaks and consider wearing a high-quality N95 or N100 mask to help filter smoke particles.

People should watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual fatigue or an elevated heart rate. Anyone whose symptoms worsen should contact a health care provider or call 911 for an emergency.

Pets can also be affected by wildfire smoke. Officials recommend keeping pets indoors as much as possible, limiting dogs’ outdoor time to brief bathroom breaks and avoiding strenuous activity. Older pets and animals with heart or lung conditions may face greater risks.

Air quality conditions can change quickly depending on wind patterns and smoke movement. Residents should check current air quality alerts before planning outdoor activities. Current forecasts and air-quality information are available through AirNow.gov.

Illinois EPA Issues Air Quality Alert Through Friday

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a red forecast air pollution action day for Friday, covering Rockford and the Chicago area.

The alert follows a purple forecast air pollution action day issued Thursday due to elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke. Here's what that means:

• During Unhealthy (Red) air quality conditions, officials recommend everyone reduce prolonged outdoor activity and heavy exertion. Children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma should take extra precautions.

• During Very Unhealthy (Purple) conditions, sensitive groups should avoid outdoor physical activity, while everyone else should limit long or intense outdoor activities and consider moving events indoors when possible.

Northern Illinois remains on the edge of a heavy smoke plume moving across the Great Lakes and Northeast. While conditions may begin improving Friday, officials said unhealthy air quality levels could continue through much of the day.

The Illinois EPA recommends residents check current air quality conditions before spending extended time outdoors. People can monitor updates through AirNow or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts.

Residents can find current air quality information and health guidance at AirNow.gov.