Update: Near-critical fire conditions for May 30th, Air Quality Alert extended for all of Minnesota until Monday, June 2
May 30, 2025 11:28AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated May 30 at 11:25 a.m., originally posted May 30, 2025
11:25 a.m. update:
Following Thursday's elevated fire danger and initial air quality concerns, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued an extended air quality alert for the entire state of Minnesota, now running through Monday, June 2nd, at 6 p.m.
This alert is due to the continued presence of wildfire smoke from large fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Northern Minnesota, including Cook and Lake Counties and Grand Portage, is expected to experience "red" Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, considered unhealthy for everyone. Southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area, is forecast to reach "orange" AQI levels, which are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The MPCA shared in a May 30th release that this is a prolonged event with multiple rounds of smoke, with the highest concentrations expected Saturday morning and afternoon. Although slight improvements may occur overnight, additional waves of smoke are possible through Monday. The alert advises all individuals in "red" areas to limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. In "orange" areas, sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, pregnant individuals, children, and older adults, should limit similar activities. The MPCA emphasizes that poor air quality can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and may worsen existing heart and lung conditions.
Original post:
Northeastern Minnesota is experiencing elevated fire danger and a continued Air Quality Alert on Thursday, May 30, due to a combination of weather conditions and smoke from wildfires.
The National Weather Service in Duluth issued a warning of near-critical fire weather conditions due to warm, dry, and breezy conditions expected on May 30 and possibly into the weekend. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated that the fire danger for May 30th is "very high," meaning that fires could start easily and spread rapidly.
Due to these conditions, burning restrictions are in place. Open burning is prohibited, and burning permits will not be issued. Campfires are permitted in established rings but discouraged.
Additionally, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued an Air Quality Alert for northeast Minnesota, effective from Thursday, May 29, through Friday, May 30, due to wildfire smoke originating from Canadian wildfires in Cook and Lake Counties and Grand Portage. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the "red" Air Quality Index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for all individuals. The MPCA advised limiting prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, and sensitive groups are advised to avoid outdoor activities altogether.
Air quality is expected to improve throughout the day, with the Air Quality Alert set to expire at 6 p.m.
