Duluth, Minn. – Heavy wildfire smoke drifting in from Canada is expected to blanket northeastern Minnesota starting Thursday morning, pushing air quality into the “unhealthy” category and triggering a regional alert through 6 p.m. Friday.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, fine particle pollution from fires burning in southeast Manitoba will move across the Northland beginning around 8 a.m. Thursday. The smoke will likely settle along Lake Superior overnight and could intensify again Friday as a second wave arrives behind a passing cold front.
Residents in Duluth, Grand Marais, Ely, and surrounding areas—including Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties—are urged to limit outdoor activity, especially older adults, children, and those with asthma or heart conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the red level, indicating potential health effects even for the general population.
Officials recommend keeping windows closed, avoiding outdoor exercise, and reducing activities that worsen pollution, such as wood burning or unnecessary driving.
The state may issue additional alerts if smoke expands beyond the North Shore. Conditions are expected to improve by Friday evening, but sensitive groups should continue to monitor updates from the MPCA and local agencies.
