Canadian wildfires trigger sudden air quality drop in America’s Minnesota

Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires has been drifting into Minnesota (US) causing a sudden drop in air quality. The smoke came from wildfires burning in the Canadian provinces of eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba. These fires flared up on May 8 and have been spreading since.

The smoke from the fire in Canada moved southeast across Minnesota. It reached central parts of the state on May 9, by 1 pm local time, and the Twin Cities area by around 7 pm local time. The National Weather Service said the smoke stayed in one spot for only two to five hours.

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But they have issued a “Fire Weather Watch” for this weekend with a critical alert for Sunday morning to evening. However, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) did not issue an official air quality alert because of the short duration.

Still, the haze caused concern. Visibility dropped, and skies turned gray in several areas. Residents were advised to limit outdoor activity if they experienced irritation.

In Saskatchewan, wildfire activity is far above normal. As of early May, the province reported 135 wildfires, more than double the five-year average for this time of year. Of the 24 fires burning currently, nine are still not contained. Officials said they are bringing in more firefighters and resources to battle the growing threat.

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Looking ahead, Minnesota could see more air quality issues this summer. The MPCA expects 12 to 16 days of smoke-affected air and 4 to 7 days of poor ozone levels. The Twin Cities suburbs and the Rochester area are at the highest risk.

Health experts recommend staying indoors on smoky days and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during afternoons when air pollution is usually worse.

FAQs

What was the biggest wildfire in Minnesota’s history?

The Cloquet Fire of 1918 was Minnesota’s largest wildfire, burning about 250,000 acres. It devastated 38 communities, caused 453 deaths, and left 12,000 homeless. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history, with massive property damage.

Where is the smoke in Minnesota coming from?

The smoke in Minnesota is coming from numerous large wildfires burning in Canada, particularly in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These Canadian wildfires are sending smoke plumes southward into Minnesota, causing degraded air quality and haze across the state.

How often do wildfires occur in Minnesota?

In 2024, Minnesota had 1,125 wildfires burning 15,421 acres, with an early, intense season due to drought and dry conditions. Data for 2025 is not yet available, but trends show longer, earlier fire seasons driven by warming temperatures and increased drought risk.