NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Smoke from wildfires in the western part of the country and in Canada is affecting the air quality in North Dakota.

The Department of Environmental Quality wants people, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit their time outside.

Environmental Quality also encourages people to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) with the AirNow phone app.

For up-to-date information, you can visit this website .

The AQI color designations include these ranges for indicators:

• Yellow = Moderate
• Orange = Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
• Red = Unhealthy
• Purple = Very Unhealthy
• Maroon = Hazardous

Due to the activity and the changing wind patterns, people should use common sense when smoke levels are high. So, people who experience significant breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical attention.

To protect your health and the health of others, here are three things you can do:

1. Stay inside with the windows and doors closed.
2. Reduce your physical activity while outside.
3. Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to recirculate to prevent drawing in outside air.

Decisions about outside activities should be based on AQI levels and your own health. The air quality can be variable and unpredictable as it fluctuates unexpectedly.

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