MPCA issues air quality warning for Minnesota amid wildfire in Canada

An air quality advisory is in effect for the entire state of Minnesota on Mother’s Day.

A spokesman for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) said the agency issued an air quality warning at 11 a.m. Sunday that will remain in effect until noon Monday.

The affected area includes the Twin Cities Metro, Brainerd, Alexandria, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Winona, Ortonville, Mankato, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau and the Upper Sioux, Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Leech Lake, Red Lake, Grand Portage and Fond du Lac tribal nations.

The warning is expected to reach the red category, indicating that the air is unhealthy across much of the state.

MPCA officials say heavy smoke from wildfires in northeastern British Columbia has made its way into northern Minnesota and will move south across the state on Sunday behind a cold front.

MPCA officials say air quality is expected to deteriorate in central Minnesota Sunday afternoon as smoke moves into southern Minnesota. Smoke from the forest fire will clear overnight Sunday and is expected to clear by midday Monday.

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