Canada is battling more than 700 active wildfires across the country, roughly two-thirds of which are burning out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC). Smoke billowing from the blazes has blanketed central Canada and the northern U.S., prompting widespread air quality alerts.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a new air quality alert for northeast Minnesota due to the wildfires burning in Canada.

Wildfire smoke pouring into the state from Canadian fires has triggered a red air quality alert, signaling that the air is unhealthy for anyone and everyone to breath. The alert, issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is in effect until 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, for large portions of the state, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.