Air quality alert extended in northern Minnesota due to smoke from Canadian wildfires

An air quality alert has been extended for parts of northern Minnesota.

The alert was issued Tuesday and is now in effect until noon Saturday for portions of northern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The affected area includes Hibbing, International Falls, Ely, Virginia, Roseau, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and the tribal areas of Grand Portage.

The MPCA states the air quality alert is due to smoke from wildfires north of the Canadian border. Smoke is expected to linger before gradually clearing Saturday.

Those most at risk are people who have asthma or other breathing conditions; people who have heart disease or high blood pressure; people of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity outdoors; and children and older adults.

The MPCA advises those in at-risk groups to limit or postpone outdoor physical activity. Those with asthma or other breathing conditions are advised to have their relief or rescue inhaler on hand.