Air Quality Alert
MNZ010-018-026-035-201600-
Koochiching-North Itasca-South Itasca-Northern Aitkin-
Including the cities of International Falls, Bigfork,
Grand Rapids, and Hill City
1236 PM CDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CDT FRIDAY...
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index
(AQI) is expected to reach the Purple or Very Unhealthy category.
* WHERE...Northeast Minnesota.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Everyone is more likely to be affected.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While heavy smoke retreats across portions
of north central and northeastern Minnesota today, heavy smoke is
expected to persist across much of northeastern Minnesota through
the weekend and into Monday. A separate area of heavy smoke will
move across northwestern Minnesota this morning and afternoon.
Northwestern Minnesota should see improved air quality by this
evening. Additional heavy smoke may move south from Canada this
weekend, and the air quality alert may need to be extended into
east central and southeastern Minnesota.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should
avoid all physical activity outdoors. The general public should
avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities
that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and
use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and
vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight
to prevent smoke from getting indoors.
&&
For information on current air quality conditions in your area
and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert
notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow
mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-
climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional
information about health and air quality at
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-
and-health. Poor air quality can impact pets and animals. More
information regarding pet and animal safety can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-06/protect- your-
pets-factsheet.pdf and https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-
owners/emergencycare/wildfire-smoke-and-animals.
$$
MNZ025-033-034-036-038-201600-
North Cass-South Cass-Crow Wing-South Aitkin-Pine-
Including the cities of Walker, Pine River, Brainerd, Aitkin,
Pine City, and Hinckley
1236 PM CDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CDT FRIDAY...
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index
(AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category.
* WHERE...Northeast Minnesota.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Everyone is more likely to be affected.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While heavy smoke retreats across portions
of north central and northeastern Minnesota today, heavy smoke is
expected to persist across much of northeastern Minnesota through
the weekend and into Monday. A separate area of heavy smoke will
move across northwestern Minnesota this morning and afternoon.
Northwestern Minnesota should see improved air quality by this
evening. Additional heavy smoke may move south from Canada this
weekend, and the air quality alert may need to be extended into
east central and southeastern Minnesota.
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
use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and
vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight
to prevent smoke from getting indoors.
&&
For information on current air quality conditions in your area
and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert
notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow
mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-
climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional
information about health and air quality at
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-
and-health. Poor air quality can impact pets and animals. More
information regarding pet and animal safety can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-06/protect- your-
pets-factsheet.pdf and https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-
owners/emergencycare/wildfire-smoke-and-animals.
$$
