Rock County faces air pollution concerns from wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota has caused significant air pollution concerns in Wisconsin, particularly in Rock County. The region faces heightened health risks due to above-average asthma rates, which may be exacerbated by the combination of wildfire smoke and existing industrial emissions.

Currently, Rock County relies on a particulate matter monitor located in Rockford, Illinois, to track PM2.5 levels. Local community members and advocates are calling for the installation of a regulatory monitor within the county to better manage air quality and public health.

The impact of the wildfires was also felt by researchers at Beloit College, who were forced to evacuate a long-standing field program in the Boundary Waters after being issued an emergency alert.