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Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Unhealthy Air Quality Alert Across Northern Minnesota

Officials forecast a second smoke plume Friday evening, potentially prolonging hazardous air quality into Saturday.

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A helicopter battles wildfires in the hills north of Tantalus Road, in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada on June 11, 2025.
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A stock photo of poor air quality in Minneapolis amid thick wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Overview

  • The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert effective 6 a.m. Friday for parts of northwest and north-central Minnesota, with levels reaching very unhealthy (purple) and unhealthy (red) categories.
  • National Weather Service predicts a more extensive wave of smoke arriving Friday evening that may spread hazardous conditions over a larger portion of the region.
  • Officials urge residents—especially those with asthma, heart conditions, young children, pregnant people and older adults—to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors during peak smoke periods.
  • State agencies recommend curbing outdoor burning, reducing vehicle idling, keeping windows closed and using indoor air filtration to minimize pollution exposure.
  • Six members of Congress have formally urged Canada’s embassy to address cross-border smoke incursions, and the embassy has affirmed its commitment to wildfire prevention and response.