Air quality alert issued for western, central Minnesota until Friday night
Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities even though the air is currently 18 times above WHO exposure recommendation, in Sicamous British Columbia, on Thursday July 29, 2021.[Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP]
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert effective from 10 a.m. Thursday until 9 p.m. Friday. The alert covers the west central, northwestern and north central parts of the state.
The affected area includes Roseau, Baudette, International Falls, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, Brainerd, Ortonville, Alexandria and St. Cloud. It also covers the tribal nations of Leech Lake, Mille Lacs and Red Lake.
According to the MPCA, a cold front will push across northwestern Minnesota Thursday. Behind the cold front, northwestern winds will carry smoke from wildfires burning in southern Canada across the northern part of the state. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the Red AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across far northern Minnesota on Thursday.
Fine particle levels are also expected to reach the Orange AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. This category will cover north central, west central and northwest Minnesota Thursday.
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