UPDATE: Smokey Haze Causes Health Concerns in Palatine

The Palatine Fire Department was investigating a smokey haze in the village Tuesday, Sept. 13, but the answer could lie to the north.

The McHenry Police Department put out an alert that smoke in the air was the result of a large forest fire in Minnesota.

The alert, issued at 11:58 a.m. states, "the cause of the smoke and smell is due to a huge forest fire in MN that is getting into the main air stream and bringing the smoke into our area. There is more info that will follow as we get it."

Palatine Fire Chief Scott Andersen said the department had received several calls inquiring about the smokey haze. The department believes the forest fire is the culprit.

The forest fire is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Journal Sentinel reported that the northwest winds sent ash and smoke into the area reducing visibility in Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service in Wisconsin said some people reported trouble breathing. The weather service predicted air quality in Wisconsin would remain unhealthy in some parts for days.