Minnesota air quality alert: Wildfire smoke triggers unhealthy conditions July 18-20

Key Points:

• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for much of east central, southeast, south central, and northeast Minnesota from July 18 at 2 p.m. to July 20 at 2 p.m. due to wildfire smoke causing unhealthy air conditions.
• Heavy smoke from wildfires will linger in northeast Minnesota into Sunday morning, with air quality expected to improve by Sunday afternoon except near Lake Superior and active fire areas, while southeastern and far east central Minnesota will experience unhealthy air through Monday morning.
• The air quality is forecasted to reach the red AQI category, unhealthy for everyone, prompting recommendations for all residents to limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, especially sensitive groups who are at greater risk of serious health effects.
• Wildfire smoke exposure may cause symptoms such as irritated eyes, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, with vulnerable individuals potentially facing severe health issues like asthma attacks, heart attacks, or strokes.
• The wildfires originated from over 1,000 lightning strikes during a dry thunderstorm on July 6, burning more than 70,000 acres; firefighting efforts have been intensified with additional resources including engines, air support, and crews.