MARQUETTE - A layer of smoke blanketed parts of the Upper Peninsula Saturday, but the haze wasn't due to a nearby fire.
According to the National Weather Service, the smoke was due to forest fires burning in Ontario, Canada.
The NWS posted a notice on its website for Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga, Marquette, Alger, Luce, Iron, Dickinson, Menominee, Delta and Schoolcraft counties advising that the smoke would continue to move across Lake Superior and most of the western and central U.P. Saturday afternoon.
The notice warned the smoke could reduce visibility at times and could cause trouble for those with respiratory problems, who were advised to stay indoors and close their windows.
According to the website for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 35 new fires had started within the province Friday, particularly in the northern areas of the province.
As of Saturday afternoon, there were 121 active fires in the province, according to the MNR.
The Associated PRess reported a Michigan Department of natural Resources airplane was sent to check on areas affected by the smoke plume.
Johanna Boyle can be reached at 906-486-4401. Her email address is jboyle@miningjournal.net.