McHenry County Issues Smoke Precautions

Smoke from a Minnesota forest fire has traveled more than 400 miles and air quality could remain unhealthy for days.

McHenry County residents are experiencing the effects of smoke from the Pagami Creek forest fire burning in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. Smoke in the area could be a health risk especially for asthma or breathing ailments, said Joseph Gugle, McHenry County Department of Health administrative manager. David Christensen of the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency said he contacted the National Weather Service and was told the the fire could be increasing in size over the next few days. North-northwest winds would continue to blow smoke into northern Illinois. Christensen said the smoke could be a serious issue for people with respiratory problems, young children or elderly people. "For healthy individuals, jogging this …

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