Upper Peninsula Fires, a Global Smog Report and Atlanta School Air — October 29, 2026

Today's news covers smoldering fires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a global look at this year's smog, and a call to protect Atlanta students from polluted air.

Wind nudges Michigan's Ridge Fire to almost 500 acres

Windy conditions pushed the Ridge Fire in Marquette County about 30 acres further on its west side, bringing it to almost 500 acres, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said on Oct. 28, the Detroit Free Press reports. The DNR said the fire "remains well within firefighters' confinement strategy." It is part of the Rugged Terrain Complex, which also includes the 606-acre Craig Lake Fire in Baraga County and the 350-acre Black River Fire near Wakefield. Those three fires have burned more than 1,400 acres combined and remain contained.

The Ridge Fire is burning deep in the duff layer of the forest floor, the fallen leaves and organic matter. A DNR fire supervisor said what will finally put it out is season-ending rain or snow, and that people living nearby may still see and smell smoke depending on the wind. If smoke drifts your way, keeping windows closed is a simple step.

More than half the world breathed high ozone this year

More than 50% of the world's population breathed very high or extremely high levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, between January and September, according to a new report from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, NJ.com reports, citing coverage by The Washington Post. Extreme heat waves and widespread wildfires were major drivers. After the Northern Hemisphere's hottest summer on record, more than 25% of North Americans experienced poor to extremely poor ozone levels.

Ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, power plants and chemical sources react with heat and sunlight. The EPA warns that ozone exposure can trigger coughing, throat irritation and asthma attacks, and children, older adults, people with respiratory conditions and outdoor workers are most vulnerable.

Atlanta op-ed: protect students from failing air

An opinion piece in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes that the American Lung Association rated Atlanta's air quality as failing. The writer argues that, alongside backpacks and school supplies, parents should ask whether children are learning in places where the air itself can make it harder for them to learn.

Sources

• Are U.P. wildfires out yet? Why blazes continue to burn, smolder — Detroit Free Press
• Why more than half the world breathed unhealthy air in 2026 — NJ.com
• Urge Atlanta students to get As, but protect them from breathing F-rated air — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Canairy aggregates publicly reported air-quality and wildfire news and summarizes it in plain English, with links to the original sources. This is educational information, not medical or emergency advice. In a wildfire or air-quality emergency, follow guidance from local authorities.