Waarschuwingen, Birchdale Lookout Tower

Air Quality Alert issued July 15 at 3:46PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN * 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 Maroon or Hazardous category. * WHERE...Northeast Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Everyone will be affected by wildfire smoke in these concentrations. Minor trace amounts of ashfall are likely and have been observed with the dense smoke. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Dense smoke continues across northern Minnesota. AQI values have already been observed in the Maroon/Hazardous concentration and will continue through the alert period. The smoke will persist until at least Friday, but this alert may need to be extended. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. The general public should avoid all physical activities outdoors. 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.