If you’re in the northern central United States and the sky looks smoky, here’s why. Air pollution warnings were issued for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin on Monday morning due to wildfire smoke from Canada.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a statewide warning Sunday that was scheduled to expire at noon Eastern Monday. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for northwestern Wisconsin that is expected to last until 10 a.m. Monday.
The bureau warned that particulate levels are expected to reach the red Air Quality Index category, which is “levels that are considered unhealthy for everyone in the entire state of Minnesota.” In these areas, everyone, especially those who are sensitive, should avoid prolonged or strenuous exercise and limit time spent outdoors, officials said.
Forecasters said the smoke drifted into Minnesota on Sunday behind a cold front. In the northern part of the state, air quality was expected to improve overnight, but smoke was still expected to linger until around midday.
Air quality is unhealthy for everyone.
Officials say smoke in Minnesota and Wisconsin is considered unhealthy for everyone.
“Air travels long distances and carries pollutants,” the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said. During wildfire air quality alerts, the air is mixed with harmful smoke. How long wildfire smoke lingers depends on the size of the fire, winds, and weather.
There are several fires in Canada.
Firefighters fought multiple fires over the weekend, including the Teepee Creek Fire in Alberta and Canada.
The Parker Lake wildfire, one of the largest, broke out Friday in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, and quickly spread with the help of a cold front and winds, according to the British Columbia Wildfire Authority.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nation issued evacuation orders, affecting thousands of people in Fort Nelson.
The region has experienced years of drought, making it susceptible to “extreme fire behavior,” Bushfire Service fire behavior specialist Ben Bogeen said in a newly recorded video. More winds are expected Monday morning, making the fire difficult to control, Bogean said.
