Wildfire smoke is creating hazardous air quality conditions in parts of northeast Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has forecast air quality in parts of northeast Minnesota to reach the maroon, or hazardous, Air Quality Index (AQI) category. At this level, the air is considered hazardous for everyone, not only those who are usually more sensitive to wildfire smoke.

When air quality reaches the “hazardous” level, everyone should stay indoors and avoid outdoor physical activity to the extent possible. If you must go outdoors wear a well-fitting N95 or KN-95 mask.

Cook County Public Health is urging residents and visitors to take the current conditions seriously, limit exposure to smoke, and monitor changing air quality throughout the day.

Clean Air and Cooling Shelter Available

“A clean air and cooling shelter will be available in the Cook County YMCA lobby is available as a cooling and clean air shelter during open hours (M-Fr 7am - 7pm and Sat 9am - 1pm). The pool area, including sauna and hot tub, are closed because the required HVAC filtration in that space pulls large quantities of outside air into the building.”

Community members who need relief from poor air quality or a cooler indoor space are welcome to use the shelter.

The YMCA also serves as a checkpoint for residents who choose to leave their homes before an evacuation order through Law Enforcement’s “Ready, Set, Go” protocol.

Staff from Cook County Public Health and Human Services will be at the YMCA to answer questions related to air quality, provide KN-95 masks to community members (as supplies last).

Protect Your Health

Wildfire smoke contains very small particles that can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. At hazardous air quality levels, everyone can be affected by wildfire smoke.

When air quality is hazardous:

• Avoid outdoor physical activity and limit time spent outdoors as much as possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible, unless doing so makes it difficult to maintain a safe indoor temperature.
• Keep indoor activity levels low, particularly if you are sensitive to wildfire smoke.
• If you have air conditioning, use the recirculation setting so that it is not pulling in outdoor air.
• Consider using a HEPA portable air cleaner or spending time in a building with cleaner indoor air.
• Avoid adding to indoor air pollution by smoking or vaping, burning candles or incense, or using aerosol products.
• Make sure you have needed medications available, particularly if you have asthma, heart disease, or another health condition that may be affected by smoke.
• If you must be outdoors, a properly fitted N95 or similar respirator can help reduce exposure to fine particles.

Free N95/N99 masks are available to community members in limited quantity at the front desk of Cook County Public Health and Human Services while supplies last.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, people with asthma or other breathing conditions, people with heart disease or other chronic health conditions, and people who work outdoors may be at greater risk of serious health effects.

Wildfire smoke can cause irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. More serious health effects can include worsening asthma or other heart and lung conditions.

If you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or another medical emergency, call 911.

Monitor Air Quality

Cook County Public Health encourages residents and visitors to check the Air Quality Index, or AQI, regularly through AirNow.gov or the AirNow app. The AQI provides current local air quality information and recommendations based on the level of pollution.

For those who do not regularly use the internet or smartphone apps, air quality information is also shared through local radio and weather forecasts. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also provides current air quality conditions and forecasts for Minnesota.

For current air quality information, visit AirNow.gov or download the AirNow app. Additional information about wildfire smoke and indoor air quality is available on the Cook County Public Health Wildfire Smoke Readiness webpage.