Fire danger ‘very high’ in Cook County as wildfire smoke from Canada settles over northeastern Minnesota

Smoke from numerous Canadian wildfires will settle over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and North Shore this week.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air-quality alert for the northern half of Minnesota until 4 p.m. today.

Wildfires in western Canada are sending smoke east toward the Great Lakes area. A smoky haze will be seen across the region throughout the week.

A cold front moving into the WTIP listening area in the middle of the week will bring the smoke with it, with sinking air behind the front bringing the smoke to ground level. People in the BWCA from Ely to the Gunflint Trail, and down to the Grand Marais area should expect to see and smell smoke.

People in sensitive groups, including those with asthma, are encouraged to reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks or do less intense activities to reduce their exposure.

Parts of Canada and Minnesota are extremely dry at this time. The fire danger for Cook County was raised to “very high” this week based on a sign posted at the DNR office on the edge of Grand Marais.

Joe Friedrichs May 16, 2023