MARSHALL — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for southwest Minnesota, in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday. Fine particle pollution from Canadian wildfire smoke is causing air quality levels to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category on the Air Quality Index.
People with lung or heart conditions, older adults, and children are advised to limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. The smoke, which moved in behind a cold front, is expected to remain in the area through Thursday, though rain may help improve conditions in some locations.
Residents are encouraged to reduce activities that worsen air quality, such as outdoor burning and excessive vehicle use, and to keep windows closed overnight to prevent indoor smoke exposure.
