Air Quality Improves In Minnesota, Fire Risk Still High

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Monday's readings from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency showed somewhat improved air quality conditions in the state.

Over the weekend, smoke from the Skibo wildfire in Hubbard County in northern Minnesota, along with some residual particles from the Alberta wildfires, caused the MPCA to issue alerts about the unhealthy levels.

Representatives from the organization called it some of the worst air quality they've seen in recent memory.

The National Weather Service also cautioned people to limit their activities outside, as even healthy adults would feel the negative effects of the smoke.

On Monday, the MPCA showed many areas with moderate or even good conditions, pertaining to air quality. Readings in the Twin Cities were at moderate, and Rochester on the borderline, but Duluth was showing very good readings.

Meanwhile, the risk for wildfires remained high in many parts of the state, with the northern counties in particular under an extreme risk for fires. The NWS issued a red flag warning for predominately north and northeast Minnesota, including Grand Rapids, Brainerd Lakes , Aitkin, and Pine City.

The Skibo wildfire is now at 21 percent containment. A fire near Embarrass, Minnesota has reached 250 acres and is 75 percent contained, the Minnesota

Incident Command System said. That agency also said a fire near Finland, Minnesota that has been burning since May 7 now is 257 acres and is 95 percent contained.

The northern Twin Cities area indicates a high fire risk, and the lower portion a moderate risk.