Despite unfavourable conditions for outdoor activities due to poor air quality, one construction crew in Rogers remains unperturbed, considering it just another pleasant day in their neighbourhood.
The year 2023 is leaving a mark in the annals of history with an alarming number of air quality alerts, yet this particular crew, working diligently outside, pays no mind to the smoke.
“Frankly, we hardly notice it,” claimed Kevin Jordahl of Knife River Concrete. “On certain days, when there’s a haze, it’s not as sunny, but it doesn’t bother us much.”
The hazy skies owe their existence to the wildfire smoke originating from Canada. “The scale of the ongoing fires is immense,” explained Matt Taraldsen, the supervisory meteorologist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Over 18.7 million acres have been engulfed in flames in the expansive Canadian territory, an area equivalent to roughly one-third of Minnesota. Alas, there are still ample combustible materials awaiting a trigger.
“This year, the situation has exacerbated due to the early damage of fuel sources, which have yet to recover,” noted Taraldsen. “Conditions in Canada are ripe for ignition.” With fires ablaze across the nation, any northward breeze carries the smoke into Minnesota.
This marks the 23rd consecutive day of air quality alerts, setting a new record for the state. Two years ago, the previous record stood at 21 days, prompting meteorologists at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to assert that this disturbing trend is worsening as a consequence of climate change.
“We are witnessing an increase in both the frequency and intensity of fires. They tend to persist for extended periods, spanning vast regions and releasing copious amounts of smoke,” Taraldsen warned.
For the sake of comparison, Tuesday’s air quality conditions are even worse in Chicago and Milwaukee. Meanwhile, back in Rogers, the crew remains unaffected by the air quality concerns. “Well, half of these guys are into vaping anyway,” Jordan quipped. “Breathing is already a challenge for them!”
You can also read: Laurel House Fire Draws in Multiple Fire Crews
Though climate change brings uncertainty, it does not guarantee perpetually unfavourable air conditions during summers. Last year, there were no air quality alerts, but meteorologists suggest that such a respite is increasingly becoming the exception rather than the norm in recent times.
