METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - Several major events across Metro Detroit, including the Red Wings Draft Party, were forced indoors, postponed for cancelled all together as heavy, choking smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to pour into Michigan on Wednesday.
The Detroit Red Wings announced the Hockeytown Draft Party was moved indoors due to the dangerous air.
"Due to continued poor air quality in the area, and for the safety of our fans, tonight's Hockeytown Draft Part as Little Caesar's Arena has been moved indoors," officials said.
"Door to the arena will open at 6 p.m.," the organization continued. "Many of the events and activities originally planned for Chevrolet Plaza will now take place in the Via concourse of the main seating bowl."
Existing mobile tickets will be scanned at the door.
"We look forward to welcoming the newest members of the Detroit Red Wings to Hockeytown, and celebrating with our fans on Wednesday evening," the organization said.
Elsewhere in Detroit, officials made the call to postpone the Detroit Roosevelt Park unveiling.
"Due to poor air quality, we have postponed the Community Celebration portion of today's Ribbon Cutting. Our residents' and guests' health and safety are always our highest priority," officials said. "This press conference will still proceed at 1pm with an abbreviated timeline to limit exposure. Masks will be provided."
Detroit City FC made the decision to move Wednesday's women's game against Cleveland Force SC and the preceding skills clinic indoors because of the unsafe air quality in Hamtramck.
The game was moved indoors to Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton, with kickoff at 8 p.m.
"Detroit City FC is prepared to move the match safely indoors this evening; we await the W League and our opponent as they communicate to consider that option. For ticketholders: we will offer extensive exchange options, so please stay tuned," game officials said.
A dog-friendly event, K9’s at Keyworth, was canceled entirely and will not be rescheduled at this time.
Northville Township authorities said they will be distributing free masks at the Police Department and Township Hall.
"The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for our area. Free masks are available at Northville Twp Police Department at 41600 Six Mile and at Township Hall at 44405 Six Mile."
In Oakland County, Rochester Hills decided to postpone the Festival of the Hills fireworks that were set to take place on Wednesday.
"Meteorologists have issued air quality alerts, indicating elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air," the City of Rochester Hills stated in an update. "These heightened levels are primarily caused by smoke from fires in Canada. It is projected that the average air quality will fluctuate between "unhealthy for sensitive groups" and "unhealthy for everyone."
"The health and safety of our residents remains our number one priority," officials continued. "In the best interest of everyone's well-being and after careful consideration with area experts and public safety officials, we have decided to postpone this evening’s fireworks show."
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"We understand the anticipation and excitement surrounding the fireworks show and hope to have a postponement date in the near future," the city said.
The Detroit Health Department sent out a statement with recommendations for all residents affected by the heavy smoke, stating the air quality is so poor, that anyone, not just at-risk populations, can get sick.
Officials urged residents to:
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Keep windows and doors closed, if possible
• Move physical activities indoors or rescheduling them
• Be sure to wear a mask
“We are continually monitoring the situation and are in close contact with our partners at EGLE, the City’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, as well as the City’s Environmental division,” said acting Chief Public Health Officer, Christina Floyd. “As conditions warrant, we will provide additional updates and guidance to help make sure our residents stay safe.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has set up a hotline for Michigan residents to ask health-related questions related to air quality issues. The number is 800-648-6942, and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
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