"Minnesota Braces for Return of Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality Alert Issued"

An air quality alert has been issued for all of Minnesota from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon as another wave of wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to bring air quality across the state into the unhealthy range. Fine-particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index category, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. To limit pollution and its effects, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advises reducing outdoor burning, minimizing vehicle trips and idling, and keeping windows closed. This year has seen a record number of air quality alerts in Minnesota.