Contact: Sam Brungardt, 651-757-2249
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has received a number of reports of heavy smoke and the deposition of ash in northeastern Minnesota. The smoke and ash are from the Pagami Creek fire and possibly other fires in northern Minnesota and southern Ontario.
Frank Kohlasch, manager of air monitoring for the MPCA’s Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division, says although the MPCA’s air quality monitors at Duluth, Ely and Grand Portage are not showing enough of an increase in air pollutants to justify an air alert, reports from the field indicate that air quality is very poor in some sections of northeastern Minnesota, particularly the Grand Marais, Silver Bay and Grand Portage areas.
“Our stationary monitors are not picking up the pollutants that the fire is producing,” Kohlasch said. “But we are in contact with the U.S. Forest Service, which has portable air monitors deployed near the fire and will be sharing their data so we better understand the impact of the fire on air quality in northeastern Minnesota.”
Persons who in places where there‘s heavy smoke and ash deposition should exercise caution, which means reducing activity levels and possibly staying indoors. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory problems, such as asthma, are particularly susceptible to increases in air pollution, like those produced by this fire.
Kohlasch says, “with the help of the Forest Service, we will continue to monitor pollutant levels and issue appropriate warnings and advice if that become warranted.”
Hourly air pollution information is available via the MPCA’s Air Quality Index website.
