Full Notification

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

* WHERE...Western Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The air quality alert has been extended until 9 AM Thursday for the western half of Minnesota due to wildfire smoke from Canada. Northwest winds will gradually clear the smoke from north to south overnight. Air quality is forecast to improve beginning Thursday morning.

* AFFECTED AREAS: DOUGLAS ... TODD ... STEVENS ... POPE ... STEARNS ... LAC QUI PARLE ... SWIFT ... CHIPPEWA ... KANDIYOHI ... MEEKER ... YELLOW MEDICINE ... RENVILLE ... MCLEOD ... SIBLEY ... REDWOOD ... BROWN ... NICOLLET ... WATONWAN ... BLUE EARTH ... MARTIN ... FARIBAULT

Instructions:

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, 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 getting indoors.