Hazardous air quality forecast for much of Minnesota Thursday as fires grow

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Rangers are traveling in pairs through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by canoe to inform campers that they need to evacuate the wilderness. That’s in the wake of Monday’s announcement that the 

BWCA is temporarily closing due to multiple wildfires

 and concerns that they will continue to grow.

Officials say floatplanes are available to evacuate people if there is an imminent threat in a given area — but those same aircraft are also being used in firefighting efforts. And the smoke from that area has also prompted an air quality alert.

That alert goes into effect this morning and runs through Thursday morning. It covers Lake and Cook counties, as well as central and northern St. Louis County, including Ely, Two Harbors and the Iron Range. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says fine particle levels in the air may reach the purple category — meaning very unhealthy for everyone. And the agency says the extreme heat is amplifying the health risks.

The Minneapolis City Council will vote Tuesday on a resolution supporting Target Field concession workers. The resolution urges the employer Delaware North to bargain in good faith and agree to a fair contract.

Ramsey County paused providing mulch and compost at its yard waste removal sites after invasive jumping worms were discovered at two facilities. The earthworms are primarily spread by humans and can damage soil in gardens and lawns. They look similar to nightcrawlers, also an invasive species, and were spotted at the Arden Hills and White Bear Township sites.

For the first time the general public can make comments on a 

, west of Duluth. Talon Metals is planning an underground nickel mine about 50 miles west of Duluth.

A public meeting is scheduled in Hastings Tuesday to discuss construction plans for a busy highway in the city. MnDOT is planning to reconstruct nearly three miles of Highway 61 through Hastings from late next year through 2028. 

Forest Service closing Boundary Waters amid extreme heat, wildfires

Talon Metals tweaks its Tamarack nickel mine plan. Will it be enough to win state approval?

MPR News Programs and Podcasts

Minnesota Today®

Host

Rangers are traveling in pairs through the Boundary Waters by canoe to inform campers that they need to evacuate the wilderness. Officials say floatplanes are available to evacuate people if there is an imminent threat in a given area — but those same aircraft are also being used in firefighting efforts. And the smoke from that area has also prompted an air quality alert.

BWCA has closed amid wildfires and harsh conditions. Parts of northeast Minnesota under air quality alert

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox