07/17/2026
⚠️ Grand Rapids - the air is BAD today. City staff in multiple departments are working to keep residents safe. Here's what you need to know:
- There is a Statewide Air Quality Alert for Thursday, July 16, 2026, due to wildfire smoke from Canada.
- GRFD and Kent County Sheriff's Department are aware of the smoke - it is not from a local fire. Please reserve 911 emergency lines for local fires or other emergencies requiring an immediate response.
- MOST City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation programming, including pools, fitness classes, day camps, youth sports, and more, are closed out of caution. Please visit their page and be on the lookout for direct communications for more details.
- Be cautious while driving; the smoke is reducing visibility in some areas.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
- As much as you're able, avoid being outside for any period of time.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
- Watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in your eyes, nose, or throat.
- Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Run your central air conditioning with a MERV-13 or higher filter if available.
- Avoid outdoor burning and limit the use of residential wood-burning devices.
🌐 Stay up to date on air quality:
- Michigan.gov/MiAir
- AirNow.gov
