The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert in effect through 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19 for northwest Minnesota, including the cities of Bemidji, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, and Roseau.
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…northwest Minnesota.
WHEN…through 6 AM 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…A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan is currently moving along a cold front in northwestern Minnesota. The smoke will continue to move south and east and eventually impact the entire state of Minnesota. The smoke should clear rapidly overnight into Friday morning.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. This area includes Moorhead, East Grand Forks, Roseau, Bemidji, and the tribal nations of Red Lake and Leech Lake. In the red area, everyone should avoid prolonged time outdoors.
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. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning and the use of residential wood-burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible.
