Air Quality Alert Issued for Northern Minnesota as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Returns This Weekend

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for much of northern Minnesota, as smoke from wildfires burning in Canada is expected to push into the state again this weekend.

The alert takes effect at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and will remain in place until 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Affected areas include Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac.

According to the MPCA, heavy surface smoke will drift into far northern Minnesota by early Saturday afternoon and gradually spread south and east throughout the evening. Light winds on Sunday will allow smoke to linger across the region before it starts to lift and move back north on Monday morning. The farther north you go, the worse the air will be.

Based on expected smoke intensity, the MPCA has divided the affected region into three Air Quality Index (AQI) zones:

Purple AQI (Very Unhealthy for Everyone): the highest level of concern is forecast for the northern most areas including International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Red Lake and Grand Portage. In these areas, everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion and stay indoors.

Red AQI (Unhealthy for Everyone): is expected for areas including Duluth and the Tribal Nations of Leech Lake and Fond du Lac. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor activity, and the general population is advised to limit time spent outdoors and avoid strenuous activities.

Orange AQI (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): is forecast for Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs and White Earth. People with asthma, heart disease, the elderly, children, and others in sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity.

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