3 days ago
Canadian wildfires effect in US: What are purple, red and maroon alerts. Here's everything you need to know
Canadian wildfires
are wrecking havoc in the United States. In Canada, over 200 fires are burning, more than 100 of which are classified as 'out of control', according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Thick smoke from these wildfires has drifted south into the United States, severely affecting air quality in Minnesota and even reaching as far south as Florida. On June 3, air quality levels in parts of Minnesota reached 'very unhealthy,' with visible haze and smoke reported as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio. In response, 150 U.S. federal firefighting personnel are being deployed to assist with fire suppression efforts in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Manitoba, the National Interagency Fire Center announced.
Meanwhile, ni view of the deteriorating air quality, the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) has issued a Maroon Air Quality Alert-the highest level on the air quality index, indicating hazardous conditions for everyone. The alert, which has been issued for the first time ever, is in effect from Monday, June 2, through Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The alerts will primarily impact Northwest Minnesota, including areas from Red Lake to Roseau and East Grand Forks.
What Does the Maroon Alert Mean?
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A Maroon Alert signals hazardous air quality, meaning everyone is at risk of serious health effects. People may experience:
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Irritated eyes, nose, and throat
Coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
Serious conditions like asthma attacks, heart attacks, or strokes
The sky will appear smoky with poor visibility, and the air will smell strongly of smoke. Health officials urge all residents to avoid outdoor activities. Those in sensitive groups (such as children, the elderly, or individuals with respiratory or heart conditions) should stay indoors, limit activity levels, and keep indoor air as clean as possible.
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Purple and Red Alerts Also Issued
In addition to the Maroon Alert, a Purple Air Quality Alert—indicating very unhealthy air—has been issued for the northern third of the state, including St. Louis County, International Falls, Bemidji, Brainerd, and Moorhead. This is only the second time Minnesota has issued a Purple Alert.
A large portion of the remaining state, excluding the far southwest and southeast corners, is under a Red Alert, meaning the air is unhealthy for everyone. Under both Purple and Red Alerts, residents are advised to:
Avoid prolonged or vigorous outdoor activity
Reschedule outdoor events or move them indoors
Sensitive individuals should avoid outdoor physical activity entirely
Outlook
Air quality is expected to remain poor through midweek across Minnesota and could worsen along parts of the East Coast as the smoke continues to drift eastward, according to forecasts from
