Wildfire smoke prompts another air quality alert for Northern MN

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution.

The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the purple, or very unhealthy, category in north-central, northeast and northwest Minnesota. The alert runs from 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, through 9 a.m. Monday. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will drift south into Minnesota over the next several days. This smoke will initially impact far Northern Minnesota early Saturday afternoon and then spread south and east through the rest of the day and into the evening.

Smoke lingers across the region on Sunday with light winds in place, and then exits back to the north through Monday morning. The highest smoke concentrations are expected to be across far northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead region from Saturday into Sunday.

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease and children and older adults, should avoid all physical activities outdoors. The general public should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors.