Record-setting poor air quality expected to continue through Thursday. Written By: Matthew Guerry | × Traveling across North Long Lake in heavy smoke Tuesday, July 20, 2021, boaters head for the shore near Merrifield. The heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires created hazy conditions for anglers and boaters on Brainerd area lakes. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch ST. PAUL — A haze of wildfire smoke originating in Canada blanketed much of Minnesota Wednesday, July 21, spurring state and federal regulators to issue safety advisories and tips. Smoke and particulate matter carrie...