Smoke drifting in from Canadian wildfires has pushed air quality in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy,” prompting officials to advise residents to stay indoors. The particulate-rich air poses risks for people with respiratory or heart issues, as well as sensitive groups like older adults and pregnant women. Several counties across the region now face elevated AQI readings as fine particles (PM2.5) spread, disrupting outdoor work, reducing visibility, and raising health concerns for affected communities.