More Wildfire Smoke From Canada Triggers Air Quality Alert In Minnesota

MINNESOTA — Yet another blanket of wildfire smoke drifting in from northwest Canada is triggering air quality concerns across central and southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert that will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday, June 12.

Fine particle pollution levels are expected to reach the orange level on the Air Quality Index (AQI), meaning the air is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

The alert area includes the Twin Cities metro and cities including Brainerd, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead, Alexandria, Albert Lea, Marshall, Hinckley, Worthington, and Ortonville, along with the Tribal Nations of Upper Sioux, Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Leech Lake, and Fond du Lac.

The smoke is settling near a stalled "frontal boundary" in southern Minnesota, and while rain is expected in some areas, the haze may linger into Thursday evening.

What Does "Orange" AQI Mean?

When the AQI reaches the orange category, the air becomes unhealthy for sensitive populations. This includes:

• People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease
• Pregnant women
• Children and older adults
• People who work or exercise outdoors
• Anyone without access to air conditioning or proper indoor air filtration

In affected areas, the sky may look hazy and residents may smell smoke, even if no fires are nearby. Health effects can include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. People with existing conditions may experience aggravated symptoms.

What You Can Do

Officials recommend that sensitive people limit prolonged or intense outdoor activities. Those with asthma should follow their action plans and keep inhalers handy. Additionally, residents can help improve air quality by reducing activities that contribute to pollution, such as:

• Outdoor burning
• Using wood-burning stoves
• Driving or idling vehicles unnecessarily

For a full breakdown of the AQI and real-time updates, visit airnow.gov.

Anyone experiencing serious symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a heart attack or stroke, should seek emergency medical attention immediately.