DETROIT
Detroit officials distribute masks, conduct wellness checks as poor air quality lingers
Louis AguilarThe Detroit News
July 17, 2026, 11:43 a.m. ET
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Detroit — City officials on Friday urged residents to wear masks, limit outdoor activity and take steps inside their homes as the dangerous air shrouding Detroit is expected to last through the weekend
At least 40 residents on Thursday needed ambulance services due to breathing problems, city officials said during a Friday press conference. City government has canceled all outdoor events for today, closed city hall to the public until likely Monday and is doing citywide checks on senior resident facilities and the homeless
Police, fire, EMS, the bus and trash collection and other essential services will continue on Friday
Mayor Mary Sheffield approved the emergency purchase of 112,000 face masks that will be handed out free to residents at a wide range of locations
“This is unprecedented. We never had air quality this poor before due to the Canadian wildfires,” said Ali Abazeed, the city’s Chief Public Health Officer, at Friday’s press conference. “We want people to know this means it is a hazard for everyone.”
On Thursday, air quality in parts of Detroit reached dangerous levels, with Air Quality Index readings above 600 in some parts. At these levels, wildfire smoke poses a public health threat and can affect everyone, causing eye and respiratory irritation and increasing the risk of asthma attacks, heart and lung complications, and other serious health effects.
Older adults, pregnant people, infants, children, outdoor workers, and residents with heart or lung conditions are at heightened risk. To reduce exposure and prevent smoke-related illness, Sheffield directed the distribution of masks, emergency health alerts to residents, and limited outdoor work for city employees.
The city is doing wellness checks and providing masks at 110 senior residences. Similar efforts are being done to reach out to the homeless, officials said
But many people who are staying indoors also face risks, Abazeed said
“The air quality is so pungent and so hazardous that indoor air is being affected,” he said
Officials urged residents to shut windows, and possibly seal them, and use air purifiers if possible. On Friday, the city is expected to release more information online on how to create a low-cost air purifiers by using a box fan and MERV filters
Free N95 masks are available at the following recreation centers and DDOT transit centers:
- Patton Recreation Center
- Kemeny Recreation Center
- Adams Butzel Recreation Center
- Farwell Recreation Center
- Northwest Activities Center
- Rosa Parks Transit Center
- Jason Hargrove Transit Center
