Wildfire

Unhealthy air could be back numerous times before winter falls, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said.

Plus: the administrative trial is underway on whether Northern Township will become a city or Bemidji's boundaries will include land around Lake Bemidji; and a new study by the University of Minnesota indicates the surf from wakeboats can cause ecological harm in depths less than 20 feet.

The vast majority of the damage was caused by the Camp House Fire, according to St. Louis County. Over 200 structures were damaged, 16 of which were homes.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended its initial air quality alert through Aug. 2, 2025, warning of unhealthy air for everyone.

A cold front will reach northwest Minnesota by Monday afternoon, July 28, 2025. As the front passes through, northwest winds will pull more wildfire smoke into the state.

The smoke is expected to remain over the northwest part of the state through the end of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, but by Thursday morning, the smoke will reach southwest Minnesota.

Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada moved into Minnesota behind a line of thunderstorms on Friday, July 11, 2025, prompting an air quality alert.

The county waived fees associated with land use and septic permits to help property owners affected by the Brimson and Jenkins Creek wildfires.

The American Humane Society said just like their owners, the respiratory systems of dogs and cats can suffer when smoky conditions come on strong.

The site will operate 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday to Saturday and will stay open through the end of July 2025, though it may stay open longer if needed.