...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 3 PM CDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index
(AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category.

* WHERE...Northeast and north central Minnesota.

* WHEN...Through 3 PM CDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health
effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may
experience health effects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Northerly winds behind a cold front have
brought smoke from wildfires located north of the Canadian border in
Ontario and Manitoba into Minnesota. As of 8 a.m. Thursday morning,
an area of heavy smoke extends across north central Minnesota, from
the Canadian border to St. Cloud. This smoke will continue to move
south today. Smoke will remain over the state into Friday. A brief
period of very heavy smoke is expected to impact north central
Minnesota this morning. Air quality is expected to improve this
afternoon across north central and northeast Minnesota. Overall
today, fine particle levels are expected to reach the Red AQI
category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across north
central Minnesota. This area includes Brainerd and Grand Rapids, and
the tribal nations of Leech Lake, Red Lake, and Mille Lacs. Fine
particle levels are expected to be in the Orange AQI category, a
level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, for the
remainder of the alert area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid
prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit
prolonged or heavy exertion.

For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to
sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by
email, text message, phone, or the Minnesota Air mobile app, visit
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/current-air-quality. You can find
additional information about health and air quality at
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/why-you-should-care-air-quality-and-
health.