NEAR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS SATURDAY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST MINNESOTA AND NORTH-CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Dry conditions and breezy winds will lead to near critical fire weather conditions today. North to northwest winds gusting up to 10 to 20 mph with are forecast this afternoon. Minimum relative humidity values of 30 to 40 percent are also expected. Together, these conditions could lead to the rapid spread of fires, espeically in areas where recent lightning activity may have started fires. Check burning restrictions and fire danger before burning.

For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html. close

* 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 Monday.

* IMPACTS...Everyone is more likely to be affected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While heavy smoke retreats across portions of north central and northeastern Minnesota today, heavy smoke is expected to persist across much of northeastern Minnesota through the weekend and into Monday. A separate area of heavy smoke will move across northwestern Minnesota this morning and afternoon. Northwestern Minnesota should see improved air quality by this evening. Additional heavy smoke may move south from Canada this weekend, and the air quality alert may need to be extended into east central and southeastern Minnesota.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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. close

* 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...East central and northeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Everyone is likely to be affected. Minor ashfall will be possible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy smoke will continue across the alert area. Some improvement will be possible Friday as an area of low pressure approaches before air quality deteriorates again on Saturday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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. close