The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for large areas of Minnesota starting Tuesday, July 14. The alert will stay in effect until at least 11 a.m. Friday.
The alert comes as heavy smoke from several large wildfires in northeast Minnesota and Ontario continues to move into the Arrowhead. The MPCA also reported the extreme heat across the region will intensify the health impacts from the air quality.
The worst air quality is expected to be seen in northeast Minnesota. Cook, Lake and Northern St. Louis counties are forecast to reach the maroon, or hazardous, air quality level.
Southern/central St. Louis, Carlton and Pine counties are predicted to reach the purple, or very unhealthy, level. Other parts of the Northland are anticipated to be in the red or unhealthy level.
For those in hazardous area levels, the MPCA recommends avoiding all physical activities outdoors. Those in sensitive groups should remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
In areas with a very unhealthy rating, the MPCA recommends everyone to avoid prolonged or heavy exertions and limit time outdoors. Sensitive groups should avoid all physical activities outdoors.
It is recommended to keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors.
Residents are also asked to reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, like outdoor burning, vehicle trips and idling.
To see current air quality conditions, visit the MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.
