Air Quality Alert issued for International Falls-area

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota.
The alert takes effect at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, and runs until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025.

The affected area includes International Falls and the Tribal Nation of Red Lake.

A pocket of moderate to heavy surface smoke from wildfires across southern Canada will impact portions of north central and northeastern Minnesota through the rest of the day. High pressure and light wind across the region will result in a slow exit of the smoke back north this evening.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across north central and northeast Minnesota.

Air Quality Alert 07/17/2025

(Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

Orange air quality: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

Sights and smells: In areas where air quality is in the orange AQI category due to wildfires, the sky may look hazy and residents may smell smoke even when wildfires are far away.

Health effects: This air is unhealthy for sensitive groups and pollution may aggravate heart and lung disease as well as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and fatigue.

What to do: People in sensitive groups are encouraged to reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks, or do less intense activities to reduce their exposure. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and keep their rescue inhaler nearby.