...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 8AM CDT MONDAY...

* 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 Red or Unhealthy category.

* WHERE...All of northeastern and north central Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 8AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of very heavy smoke from wildfires in northeast British Columbia has moved into northern Minnesota and will sweep south across the state on Sunday behind a cold front. The smoke will continue to move across northeastern and north central Minnesota this afternoon with maximum smoke impacts expected Sunday afternoon and evening but will linger overnight. Areas along Lake Superior may have some local clearing from the smoke Sunday afternoon before smoke settles again overnight. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.

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.

For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-and-health.