MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for the northern half of the state Monday, citing smoke from several Canadian wildfires.
According to the agency, the alert went into effect at 8 a.m. and goes through 1 a.m. Tuesday. MPCA said the alert primarily affects the communities of Brainerd, St. Cloud, Bemidji, International Falls, Roseau and the Mille Lacs, Leech Lake and Red Lake Tribal Nations.
Air quality is expected to reach the Red (unhealthy) Air Quality Index in north central Minnesota, while the MPCA said the remainder of the area under the alert will be Orange, i.e., unhealthy for sensitive groups. By Monday afternoon, the agency said southerly winds will push smoke back north, improving conditions in Minnesota throughout the evening and overnight.
Anyone experiencing health effects due to poor air quality should contact a doctor or other health care provider. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, like chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
To help reduce the number of harmful particles in the air, MPCA recommends limiting activities like outdoor burning and use of wood-burning stoves at home. The agency also recommends fewer vehicle trips and less vehicle idling when possible.
For more information, visit the MPCA's website.
