CHANHASSEN, Minnesota — Parts of northern Minnesota will be under a Red Flag Warning on Saturday due to the high risk of fire spread.
The National Weather Service issued a high wind and low relative humidity warning for nine counties. It will take effect at 11 a.m. and last until 10 p.m. The counties are: Beltrami, Clearwater, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau.
“When the fire risk is this high, it’s important to be careful with anything that could spark a wildfire,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist, in a press release.
Officials are urging people not to burn in any of the counties and to inspect any recent burning to ensure the coals have been extinguished. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will not issue or activate any open burning permits, and people are discouraged from having campfires.
A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect for 61 counties across the state on Sunday due to “near-critical fire weather conditions.”
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, nearly 500 wildfires have been reported in Minnesota since April 1, endangering property, buildings, and people. On Thursday, the agency issued a timely reminder that fires, whether caused by people or nature, should be taken seriously.
“Every year, including this year, we hear of people who have suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization — or worse, fatalities — while attempting to control a wildfire on their own,” said DNR wildfire operations supervisor William Glesener. “Just like a house fire, a wildfire is extremely dangerous and unpredictable and should be left to the experts to manage.”
Anyone who sees a wildfire or accidentally starts one is urged to call 911 immediately rather than fighting it themselves. According to the DNR, wildland firefighters are highly trained and equipped to safely respond to fires. The agency also shared the following reminders:
- Whether burning vegetation or enjoying an evening around the campfire, make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the site.
- If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
- Any fire larger than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet high needs a burning permit.
- Check the DNR website for the latest information on statewide fire danger and burning restrictions.
