The wildfires burning in the northern regions of the state are incredibly destructive, but experts say they're a natural and important part of Minnesota's ecosystem. They say the focus shouldn't be on eliminating wildfires but instead on preventing them from turning catastrophic.

And air quality readings are breaking state record after state record, due to the wildfire smoke.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.