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MPCA: Reduce exposure if you smell smoke, see haze

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Sep 15, 2011 at 5:47 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is advising people to take precautions if they smell smoke or see haze from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area fire.

The agency says it has been receiving a number of reports of heavy smoke and ash deposits in northeastern Minnesota. The smoke and ash are from the Pagami Creek fire, which has burned nearly 160 square miles of forest along the Minnesota-Canada border.

Officials say smoke concentrations have not reached a level of health concern near pollution monitors in Duluth, Ely and Grand Portage. But when there is smoke, people are encouraged to stay indoors and reduce their activity.

People with cardiovascular or respiratory problems such as asthma, children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to increases in air pollution.