If you’re in the northern central United States, the skies are looking smoky, and here’s why: Parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin are under an air quality alert Monday morning due to wildfire smoke from Canada.
On Sunday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a statewide alert that was set to expire at noon Eastern time on Monday. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality alert for northwest Wisconsin until 10 a.m. Monday.
The agency said fine suspended particulate levels are expected to reach the red Air Quality Index category, warning that “this level is considered unhealthy for everyone throughout Minnesota.” In these areas, everyone, especially sensitive groups, should avoid prolonged or strenuous exertion and should limit time outdoors, officials said.
The smoke drifted into Minnesota on Sunday behind a cold front, according to forecasters. In the northern part of the state, air quality is expected to improve overnight, but smoke is expected to remain until about midday.
Air quality is unhealthy for everyone.
Officials say the smoke in Minnesota and Wisconsin is considered unhealthy for everyone.
“The air travels long distances and carries pollutants with it,” the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said. During air quality alerts caused by wildfires, the air is mixed with harmful smoke. How long wildfire smoke lasts depends on the size of the fire, winds and weather.
Fires broke out in many places in Canada.
Firefighters were battling multiple fires across Canada over the weekend, including the Tippy Creek Fire in Alberta.
The Park Lake wildfire, the largest, broke out on Friday in Fort Nelson, B.C., and spread quickly with the help of a cold front and wind, according to the British Columbia Wildfire Service.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and the Fort Nelson First Nation issued evacuation orders, affecting thousands of people in Fort Nelson.
Ben Boghean, a fire behavior expert with the wildfire service, said in the latest video that the region has experienced years of drought, making it more susceptible to “extreme fire behavior.” Borgien said more winds were expected Monday morning, making it a challenge to contain the fire.
