MPCA issues air quality alert for Northeastern Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for Northeastern Minnesota, due to smoke from wildfires burning 100 miles North of the Canadian border.

It will last from 6:00am Monday to 8:00am Tuesday.

The alert impacts Duluth, Ely, Hibbing, International Falls, Bemidji, Fond Du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake and Red Lake.

It comes as wildfires are burning in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada.

According to the MPCA, northwest winds behind a cold front will move the smoke into Minnesota.

During this time, the MPCA says fine-particle levels are expected to be in the AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as, people with asthma, heart disease or lung disease.

These groups should avoid being outside for prolonged periods of time and seek medical attention if they are experiencing shortness of breath.

The general public is expected to be fine.

Officials hope that rain Tuesday will help dissipate the smoke plume over the state.