The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for most of Minnesota, effective until Friday, July 25, at 11 p.m.

To reduce additional air pollutants, burning permits will not be issued or activated in those counties. Campfires are discouraged.

For up-to-date information on fire danger and burning restrictions, visit www.mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions.

The northern half of the state will reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, considered unhealthy for everyone. The southern areas will reach the orange AQI, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

For more information on the air quality alert, sensitive groups, and health effects, visit the MPCA current air quality webpage.

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Map showing the counties under an air quality alert. Image from MInnesota Pollution Control Agency.