Smoke from Canadian fires prevalent across northern Minnesota, prompting air quality alerts
Updated 12:20 p.m.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed northern Minnesota, prompting air quality alerts by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
On Thursday, heavy smoke and hazy conditions moved into the region from wildfires burning in southeast Manitoba and Saskatchewan. On Friday, a second round of heavy smoke moved across the northeastern region.
Air quality alerts are in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2, for the northeast region and the entire state.
A cold front will continue to drag smoke from large wildfires Canada southward into Minnesota throughout the weekend.
“The highest concentration of smoke is expected Saturday morning and afternoon,” the MPCA air quality alert says. “The air quality will improve slightly overnight Saturday before a second wave of smoke arrives Sunday morning.”
May 30 MPCA Air Quality Map
The MPCA states that smoke from wildfires can create poor air quality, which has adverse health impacts on individuals. Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, causing coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Individuals with asthma, heart disease, or related health conditions should avoid physical activity outdoors and stay indoors with windows closed.
“The smoke should clear by next week,” said Krystal Lynum, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Duluth.
Nearly two dozen wildfires were burning in the Canadian province of Manitoba, which is just north of Minnesota and North Dakota. So far this year, the province has had more than 100 wildfires.
On Wednesday, Manitoba declared a state of emergency as the fires forced 17,000 people to evacuate homes in several communities.
Graphic from National Weather Service of Smoke from Canadian WildFires
WTIP spoke with the National Weather Service on Thursday, May 29 about the air quality alerts and smoke from Canadian fires. The audio from the interview is below.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Kalli Hawkins May 30, 2025
