Disasters

Very unhealthy air; relief Thursday for northern Minnesota
The latest Minnesota Pollution Control Agency forecast shows air quality improving overnight into Thursday across northern Minnesota. Expect air quality to improve statewide by Friday.
Minnesota Wildfires
Explore the latest updates on Minnesota wildfires with MPR News. Stay informed on disaster relief efforts, prevention strategies and real-time wildfire coverage.
Crews monitoring wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The U.S. Forest Service is monitoring a wildfire detected Tuesday in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The fire, about 10 miles southwest of the end of the Gunflint Trail, was estimated at about 30 acres in size.
Amid increasing fire danger, Forest Service bans campfires in Boundary Waters
The U.S. Forest Service announced it’s temporarily banning all backcountry campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness until further notice, and restricting campfires elsewhere in the Superior National Forest.
Rochester condo building residents out at least a month amid structural worries
The 15-story building was evacuated Friday afternoon after a structural engineer alerted authorities. Engineers are examining the entire structure now. Officials will have a better idea of timelines when that work is done, the city said Tuesday.