Due to Canadian wildfire smoke, an air quality alert has been announced for Northern Minnesota over the weekend.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has put out an alert for Northern Minnesota that started on Thursday, August 16th at 3:00 p.m. and goes through Sunday, August 19th at 12:00 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/MNPCA/photos/a.202943123051833/2031878113491649/?type=3&theater

The wildfire smoke is coming from British Columbia, Alberta and Western Ontario. It is mentioned that the fine particle pollution is expected to be at or near a “level that will be considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.” press release according to a from the PCA.

Affected areas for the weekend include: Brainerd, Bemidji, Duluth, Ely and Moorhead along with the tribal nations of Mille Lacs, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake and Red Lake.

The PCA also mentioned the following people are most likely to be affected.

• People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• People who have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Children and older adults
• People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors