The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota from today, July 17, until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18. 

The affected area includes Koochiching County and northern St. Louis County. 

To reduce additional air pollutants, burning permits will not be issued or activated. Campfires are discouraged. 

Additional counties may have burning restrictions due to high fire danger. For up-to-date information on fire danger and burning restrictions visit  www.mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions.  

The air quality is expected to reach the orange air quality index. This level is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.   

For more information on the air quality alert, sensitive groups, and health effects visit the MPCA current air quality webpage.