Canadian wildfire smoke prompts alerts in Minnesota and Wisconsin [Video]

ST PAUL, Minn. — Smoke from Canadian wildfires has prompted state officials to issue an air quality alert for the entire state, with parts of northern Minnesota expected to reach unhealthy levels for everyone.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a red air quality alert for several cities in northern Minnesota and an orange air quality alert for the remainder of the state. The cities under the red air quality alert include Brainerd, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Leech Lake, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac. Officials are urging everyone to limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.

According to the MPCA, a red air quality alert means the air is unhealthy for everyone and can …