Resident says fairgrounds burnout event left homes smoky, air monitors showed hazardous readings

A Bowling Green resident urged the city council to investigate air-quality and safety impacts after a burnout event at the county fairgrounds, saying smoke and loud vehicle activity disrupted nearby neighborhoods.

Nathan Molenberg (S12) told council he recorded particulate matter readings that reached 2,184 — far above the EPA hazardous-level range of 300 to 500 — after the April 11 'Northwest Ohio Showdown' and said smoke entered homes in Quail Hollow Estates. "We were over 4 times that amount in Quail Hollow. It hit 2,184," Molenberg said, adding that the burnout pit was about 300 feet from the closest home and that the smoke made it difficult to see across the street.

Council members asked follow-up questions about whether residents had contacted police and what authority the city has when an event is located at the fairgrounds, which is outside city limits. One council member said they would like options and recommendations from staff on how to respond if such events reduce air quality in Bowling Green neighborhoods. Municipal Administrator Miss Tredder (S14) said the administration would "consider that and let you know."

Molenberg said he uses an outdoor monitor (he named AirIQ/IQAir) measuring PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 and that he published 24/7 monitoring results; he offered photos and data to council. He asked the city to explore steps that might limit future impacts from privately organized events at the fairgrounds.

The council did not take immediate formal action during the meeting; members requested staff follow-up on options and recommended next steps.