Smoke from distant wildfires shutters local businesses, alters events
Thick wildfire smoke drifting over the Great Lakes on Thursday, July 16, prompted at least two Grand Rapids businesses to close for the day and led city and cultural organizations to alter operations as air quality deteriorated.
Owners and managers cited the smoky air and concerns about staff and customer health as reasons for temporary closures. Downtown institutions also adjusted programming to protect guests and animals while local officials urged residents to stay indoors and avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.
- One Stop Coney Shop, 154 E. Fulton St., announced a same-day closure on Facebook, saying the building's makeup air smelled like smoke and the outlook did not appear to improve.
- Chartreuse Sisters, a bakery and café at 800 Wealthy St. SE, posted a note on its door and on social media saying it would be closed Thursday and hoped to reopen Friday, asking customers to monitor its channels for updates.
- John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., limited some outdoor attractions and shifted certain animals indoors while monitoring air quality throughout the day.
“Calling it today due to air quality…when the makeup air smells like a smoker and it’s not supposed to get better as the day goes on - it’s probably the right move for us.”
The smoke plumes originated from wildfires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota and moved over West Michigan, producing conditions local health officials described as hazardous for sensitive groups and the general public. The zoo noted operations could change throughout the day depending on monitored air conditions.
Events and city operations respond
Organizers moved at least one outdoor summer event indoors. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. announced that the Relax at Rosa concert series was relocated from Rosa Parks Circle to the Big Room at Silva, 975 Ottawa Ave. NW, to keep attendees out of the smoky air.
City departments and parks staff monitored conditions and adjusted programming as needed. Institutions emphasizing outdoor visitation, including the zoo, acknowledged that protective steps — from temporary closures to moving animal exhibits indoors — would continue while air quality remained poor.
| Location | Action taken |
|---|---|
| One Stop Coney Shop (154 E. Fulton St.) | Closed for the day |
| Chartreuse Sisters (800 Wealthy St. SE) | Closed for the day; monitoring to reopen |
| John Ball Zoo (1300 W. Fulton St.) | Limited outdoor attractions; some animals moved indoors |
What residents should know
Health officials typically recommend that people limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers when visible smoke raises particulate levels. Those with respiratory conditions, older adults and young children are especially vulnerable and should take extra precautions.
Local businesses and event organizers said they will continue to monitor air updates and make further adjustments as needed. Residents are advised to follow official channels and individual businesses' social media for the latest closures and operational changes.
Reporting from Grand Rapids will continue as conditions evolve and officials release updated air-quality guidance.
