Wildfire Smoke Puts Millions At Risk Across Midwest, Northeast

WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Millions of people across the Midwest and Northeast are breathing dangerous air this week as heavy smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota spreads across the region.

Minnesota officials issued an air quality alert running Tuesday through Friday for areas including the Twin Cities metro area, Alexandria and Two Harbors, according to the Associated Press. 

Air quality in Two Harbors, the Tribal Nation of Grand Portage and other parts of northeastern Minnesota was expected to reach hazardous levels — unsafe for everyone, not just vulnerable groups.