Air quality monitors report unhealthy conditions due to wildfire smoke

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Air quality monitors on both sides of the Red River are reporting unhealthy air quality due to smoke drifting from wildfires burning in Canada.

North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency list Fargo-Moorhead’s air quality at 151 to 200 parts per million.

That level of air quality is described as unhealthy.

Fine particles in the air from smoke can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing and coughing.

Those with health conditions like cardiovascular disease, asthma, or COPD can have their condition worsen.

Health professionals say those with underlying conditions need to avoid going outside into the smoke when possible.

“When the air quality is getting really poor, like it has been, we see a lot of COPD and asthma exacerbations, both in clinic and in the emergency room. So it can be quite dangerous,” said Caitlyn Cameron, a physician’s assistant with Essentia Health.

National Weather Service says to expect the smoky skies to continue until Saturday evening.