Minnesota issues first ever “Maroon” Air Quality Alert

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the first time ever the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a “Maroon Alert” which means hazardous air quality.

The alert is issued from Monday, June 2, through Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The Maroon Alert is for Northwest Minnesota including the areas generally from Red Lake to the north and west including Roseau and East Grand Forks.

The Maroon Alert means the air is Hazardous,  That means, “the air is hazardous for everyone, and everyone will be affected. Most people will have irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects such as asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.”  The sky will look smoky and you won’t be able to see long distances.  The air will smell strongly of smoke.

People should avoid physical activity outdoors.

Sensitive groups should stay indoors, keep activity levels low, and keep indoor air as clean as possible.

And for just the second time ever a “Purple Alert” was issued for the same time frame.

The Purple Alert means Very Unhealthy.

The Purple Alert is for the areas including the northern third of St. Louis County, International Falls, Bemidji, Brainerd and Morehead.

Purple means air it is very unhealthy for everyone.  Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects such as asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.  You should avoid prolonged or vigorous outdoor activity. People should consider rescheduling sports and other outdoor events or moving them inside and sensitive individuals should avoid all outdoor physical activity.

Nearly the rest of the state expect the far southwest and southeast corners are in the red air quality, meaning “Unhealthy”.

Unhealthy means the air is unhealthy for everyone. Anyone may begin to experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, possibly leading to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.