SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for fine particle pollution in southwest Minnesota, including Nobles, Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Pipestone and Rock counties, through 6 a.m. Friday.
According to the alert, some people may experience health effects, and sensitive groups, such as people with heart disease, lung disease, including asthma, as well as children and older adults, may experience health effects.
"A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in northern Albert and Saskatchewan is currently moving along a cold front in northwestern Minnesota," the alert states. "The smoke will continue to move south and east and eventually impact the entire state of Minnesota."
Smoke is expected to clear rapidly overnight into Friday morning.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. Anyone in an area where the air quality index category is red should avoid prolonged time outdoors.
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Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, and even the general public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
People are also asked to reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices, and reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible.
For information on current air quality conditions or to sign up for alerts, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/current-air-quality .
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