A Message from City Manager Malcolm Hankins on the Air Quality Alert

Published on July 16, 2026

A Message from City Manager Malcolm Hankins

Smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada continues to affect air quality across much of Michigan, including Southwest Michigan. Because of these conditions, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has extended the statewide Air Quality Alert through Friday evening, July 17.

Current air quality readings indicate pollutants are ranging from Very Unhealthy (AQI Purple) to Hazardous (AQI Maroon) in parts of Michigan. Smoke is expected to remain over the state through Friday, with conditions fluctuating throughout the day before potentially improving later Friday as southwesterly winds increase.

We encourage everyone to take this alert seriously and reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke whenever possible. If you can, avoid spending extended periods outdoors, especially for strenuous activity. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces, keep windows and doors closed if smoke is noticeable outside, stay well hydrated, and consider wearing a properly fitted N95 mask if you must be outdoors for an extended period.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, people with heart or lung disease, outdoor workers, and others who are more sensitive to poor air quality should take extra precautions. Please also take a few moments to check on family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance during this event.

Residents can monitor current air quality conditions through AirNow.gov or JustAir.app. Additional health guidance is available from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. We encourage everyone to review the recommendations, especially those responsible for children or other sensitive populations, and adjust outdoor activities based on current air quality conditions: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates as they become available. You can also follow Kalamazoo City Emergency Management on Facebook for local updates.

Thank you for helping keep yourself, your family, and our community safe.

City Manager