Graphic: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
GRAND FORKS, ND (KFGO) – Air quality in the Red River Valley plummeted into the “very unhealthy” category for the second-straight day Friday as a heavy band of wildfire smoke pushed across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
According to data from AirNow.gov, the regional air quality index reached a rating of 207 at midday Friday. As of 2:00 PM, the rating read 202. The rapid degradation of air quality coincides with an active air quality alert issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which remains in effect until 6 p.m. Friday.
The 207 rating moves the region out of the standard “unhealthy” designation and into a more severe tier. Under “very unhealthy” conditions, environmental and health officials warn that the health risks extend to the general public, not just historically vulnerable groups.
State health officials advise everyone — regardless of age or medical history — to significantly limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung diseases like asthma, are urged to avoid outdoor activities altogether and keep windows closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes.
Weather officials expect this specific band of heavy smoke to clear the northwestern Minnesota and Red River Valley areas by Friday evening, bringing temporary relief.
However, the respite may be short-lived. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency noted that additional heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to persist across northeastern Minnesota through the weekend. Officials warned that more smoke could drift south into the region over the weekend, which may require an extension or expansion of the current air quality alerts.
Local residents are being asked to help mitigate regional air pocket issues by reducing vehicle idling, delaying unnecessary vehicle trips, and eliminating outdoor burning or the use of residential wood-burning devices.
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