07/16/2026
‼️EDIT: This post is out-of-date, and the Air Quality alert has since been extended. Please see our most recent posts for more information.‼️
Boozhoo!
🔥 Due to wildfire smoke, there is currently an Air Quality Alert across Minnesota from today, Thursday, July 16th through Friday, July 17th.
‼️🟤 Fond du Lac is currently in the HAZARDOUS Air Quality values, meaning “…air is hazardous for everyone, and everyone will be affected. Most people will have irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects such as asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.” (MPCA)
🔥"The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all but far south and southwest Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, and runs until 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17. The affected area includes the Twin Cities metro area, Brainerd, Alexandria, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Winona, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac.
🔥 Very heavy smoke from large wildfires across the Arrowhead and southern Canada will continue spreading south through central, northwest, and portions of southeastern Minnesota through tonight and into Thursday morning. Hourly observations have already surpassed previous records for the Twin Cities, and additional record readings are possible overnight. Existing smoke and additional rounds of heavy smoke will then remain possible across the alert area through Friday morning, when a cold front is forecast to bring in cleaner air. Heat will exacerbate health impacts during periods of poor air quality. The alert may need to be extended for parts of the state beyond Friday morning.
🟤 Fine particle levels are expected to reach the maroon air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered hazardous for everyone, across east central, central, southeast, south central, west central, north central, and northeast Minnesota. This area includes the Twin Cities metro area, Brainerd, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac. In the maroon area, everyone should avoid any outdoor activity and stay indoors.
🟣 Fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone, across west central, north central, central, and northwest Minnesota. This area includes Alexandria, Bemidji, International Falls, and the Tribal Nations of Leech Lake, Red Lake, and White Earth. In the purple area, everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors.
🔴Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across west central, southeast, northwest, south central, central, and north central Minnesota. This area includes Rochester, Winona, Mankato, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Upper Sioux, White Earth, and Red Lake. In the red area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.”
🔥 Anyone experiencing health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider. Those with severe symptoms, chest pain, trouble breathing, or who fear they may be experiencing a heart attack or stroke should call 911.
😷 Properly fitted N95 masks can help protect your lungs against wildfire smoke impacts. We have N95 masks available to the public at the FDL Resource Management Building at our front desk!
😷 For more tips on staying safe during a wildfire smoke event, visit the CDC's website: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html
🔥 Keep an eye on air quality values to see when air quality might improve to resume regular outdoor activity! You can find hourly air quality information at https://www.airnow.gov and https://fire.airnow.gov
🔥 Link to MPCA's Air Quality Alert (quoted above) to learn more: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-wednesday-july-15-through-friday-july-17-for-east-0
🔥 Chi-miigwech, and stay safe! 🔥
🔥 Image description: Screen capture from MPCA's most recent Air Quality Alert (linked above) showing forecasted impact in the state over the next few days.
