The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for northern Minnesota from 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19 to 9 a.m. Monday, July 21. 

The affected area includes much of northern Minnesota.

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 purple air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone.

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