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...All of Minnesota.

* WHEN...Through 6 PM CDT Monday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A cold front will continue to drag smoke from large wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan southward into Minnesota. This will be a long duration event with multiple rounds of smoke expected. The highest concentration of smoke is expected Saturday afternoon. The air quality will improve slightly overnight Saturday before a second wave of smoke arrives Sunday morning. Air quality may improve Sunday evening before a third round of smoke arrives Monday. This air quality alert may need to be extended as additional waves of smoke will be possible.

* AFFECTED AREAS: DOUGLAS ... TODD ... MORRISON ... MILLE LACS ... KANABEC ... STEVENS ... POPE ... STEARNS ... BENTON ... SHERBURNE ... ISANTI ... CHISAGO ... LAC QUI PARLE ... SWIFT ... CHIPPEWA ... KANDIYOHI ... MEEKER ... WRIGHT ... HENNEPIN ... ANOKA ... RAMSEY ... WASHINGTON ... YELLOW MEDICINE ... RENVILLE ... MCLEOD ... SIBLEY ... CARVER ... SCOTT ... DAKOTA ... REDWOOD ... BROWN ... NICOLLET ... LE SUEUR ... RICE ... GOODHUE ... WATONWAN ... BLUE EARTH ... WASECA ... STEELE ... MARTIN ... FARIBAULT ... FREEBORN

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.