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Disasters

MPR News team shares wildfire, smoke outlook and the view from Ely

MPR News team shares wildfire, smoke outlook and the view from Ely

Wildfire smoke is nearly inescapable across most of Minnesota today and the wider Great Lakes region today, especially in Ely, a town near the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
by Nina Moini, Aleesa Kuznetsov, Alanna Elder and Ellen Finn

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3 things to know about helping pets when the air turns bad

3 things to know about helping pets when the air turns bad

MPR News health reporter Erica Zurek talked to a Twin Cities veterinarian last year when skies were hazy. With conditions worse this year, she revisited her story to help pets and pet owners make the best of a tough summer 2026.
by Erica Zurek

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How wildfire smoke affects air quality and your health

MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks about how air quality is monitored and forecast and the health risks of breathing wildfire smoke.
by Kelly Gordon and Cari Dwyer

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As fires burn, Boundary Waters businesses confront lost peak season

As fires burn, Boundary Waters businesses confront lost peak season

After days spent evacuating campers from the Boundary Waters as wildfires spread, outfitters and tourism businesses are beginning to consider the financial fallout. With the wilderness closed during the height of the summer season, many are facing mounting cancellations and an uncertain future.
by Dan Kraker

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St. Paul chef leads fundraiser for earthquake recovery in Venezuela

St. Paul chef leads fundraiser for earthquake recovery in Venezuela

Minnesota Venezuelans are racing to send aid after devastating earthquakes struck their home country. St. Paul chef Soleil Ramirez joined MPR News to discuss a sold-out fundraiser supporting relief efforts.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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New state record set for wildfire smoke concentration near Duluth

New state record set for wildfire smoke concentration near Duluth

The preliminary reading of 600.1 is the highest hourly fine particle concentrations from wildfire smoke measured by monitors in Minnesota since 2014, according to the MPCA.
by Anna Haecherl

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Gov. Walz extends emergency declaration for northern Minnesota wildfires

Gov. Walz extends emergency declaration for northern Minnesota wildfires

Gov. Tim Walz called an Executive Council meeting Wednesday to extend the peacetime emergency for wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 30 more days.
by Anna Haecherl

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