Full Notification

WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category. WHERE...central Minnesota. WHEN...through 6 AM CDT Friday. IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects. ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Smoke continues to move across central and southern Minnesota. Air quality observations indicate that the air quality continues to be in the Red Air Quality Index (AQI) Category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone Fine particle levels will remain in the Red AQI category for the next several hours. This area includes The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, St. Cloud, Mankato, and the tribal nation of Mille Lacs. In the red area, everyone should avoid prolonged time outdoors.

* AFFECTED AREAS: TODD ... MORRISON ... MILLE LACS ... KANABEC ... STEARNS ... BENTON ... SHERBURNE ... ISANTI ... CHISAGO ... LAC QUI PARLE ... RENVILLE ... MCLEOD ... SIBLEY ... CARVER ... SCOTT ... DAKOTA ... LINCOLN ... LYON ... REDWOOD ... BROWN ... NICOLLET ... LE SUEUR ... RICE ... GOODHUE ... WABASHA ... MURRAY ... COTTONWOOD ... WATONWAN ... BLUE EARTH ... WASECA ... STEELE ... DODGE ... OLMSTED ... WINONA ... NOBLES ... JACKSON ... MARTIN ... FARIBAULT ... FREEBORN

Instructions:

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering your home.