Red Air Quality Alert Issued for Central Minnesota Due to Wildfire Smoke

(KNSI) – Smoke-filled air again prompts an air quality alert for central Minnesota for the rest of Wednesday.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says Benton, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties are are in the alert until midnight.

The general public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion outside, and sensitive groups, such as people with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, children, and older adults, should be extra cautious. Everyone is advised to eliminate outdoor burning and limit trips in the car. Keep windows closed to prevent smoke from getting indoors.

The air quality is diminished due to smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec. Winds have recirculated westward from Wisconsin and Michigan into Minnesota. Forecasters say thunderstorms this afternoon may allow for some local clearing, but generally, the air quality will not get better until late tonight into early Thursday.

Minnesota has set a record for air quality alerts this year with 23.

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