Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Friday, July 11th
Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Friday, July 11, for northwest and north central Minnesota
Air quality is expected to reach the purple AQI category in northwest Minnesota, which is very unhealthy for everyone.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northwest and north central Minnesota. The alert takes effect 6 a.m. on Friday, July 11, and runs until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 11. The affected area includes Brainerd, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake.
Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada will move into northwest Minnesota early Friday morning behind a cold front. The first band of smoke will quickly move across northern Minnesota during the day Friday and reach northeast Minnesota by the evening. A second round of smoke will reach northwest Minnesota Friday evening. This round of smoke will be more widespread and may impact the northern half of the state on Saturday. The alert may need to be extended to cover the second round of smoke. Cleaner air will move into the state from the west on Sunday and air quality should improve beginning Sunday afternoon.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone, across northwest Minnesota. This area includes Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth. In the purple area, everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across northwest and north central Minnesota. This area includes Brainerd, Moorhead, International Falls, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake. In the red area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.
MDH sends these air quality alert messages only once a day, unless the air quality worsens.
Air Quality Alert impacts burning permits in northern Minnesota
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for northwest and north-central Minnesota on Friday, July 11, 2025.
To reduce additional air pollutants, burning permits will not be issued or activated. Campfires are discouraged.
For up-to-date information on fire danger and burning restrictions, visit www.mndnr.gov/
