MARSHALL — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert through 5 p.m. Saturday for the entire state due to elevated levels of fine particle pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red, or “Unhealthy,” category as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan continues to move across Minnesota. All regions of the state are expected to experience poor air quality at times through Saturday afternoon.
The MPCA warns that sensitive groups including children, older adults, and people with lung or heart conditions, may experience health effects. Even members of the general public could be affected during periods of high smoke concentration.
Health officials recommend limiting outdoor exertion, reducing vehicle use, avoiding outdoor burning, and keeping windows closed, especially overnight, to prevent smoke from entering homes.
