Canadian wildfire smoke to blame for poor air quality in north-central Iowa

MASON CITY — An Air Quality Alert remains in effect at least through at least midnight tonight for all of the state of Iowa.

Moderate to heavy smoke from wildfires in Northwestern Canada is expected to impact most of Iowa over the next few days at levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups or even unhealthy for healthy individuals. Sensitive groups include people with respiratory illness or heart disease, children, teenagers, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends that people avoid long or intense outdoor activities and take frequent breaks until the air quality improves.