MPCA EXTENDS AIR QUALITY ALERT

Air quality alerts for most of Minnesota continue today (Tuesday) due to heavy, ground-level smoke from wildfires in Canada.  Now in effect until 4 pm for southeast Minnesota and 11 pm Wednesday for northern Minnesota, the affected areas include the Twin Cities metro, Brainerd, Albert Lea, Rochester, Winona, Mankato and points north.  At an orange air quality, the MPCA recommends sensitive groups reduce outdoor physical activity, take more breaks and that people with asthma keep their inhaler with them.  Officials say the smoke should disperse Wednesday night.