Air Quality Alert now in effect through 3pm on Friday

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for portions of the Northland. Residents in Northern Cook and Northern Lake Counties may be affected by smoke and fin particle pollution. As the Greenwood Fire continues to burn, steady and gusty south winds direct smoke across northern parts of Lake County.

The Air Quality Alert is in effect through 3pm on Friday. People with lung diseases, including asthma, heart disease, and children and older adults may have difficulty breathing. If you are in the sensitive group, you should limit your time outdoors, and close windows.

The Greenwood Fire continues to burn in the Superior National Forest in northeast Minnesota. The fire was first spotted at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 15, near Greenwood Lake, or approximately 15 miles southwest of Isabella.

As of Tuesday morning, the size of the fire was estimated to be about 2,000 acres and growing. Southerly winds are expected to continue over the region until Friday and will transport the smoke plume north. Smoke will continue to impact areas near and immediately downwind of the fire to the north and northeast through at least Friday as the fire continues to burn.

You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/why-you-should-care-air-quality-and-
health.