18 Counties In Northwest Minnesota Face Major Fire Risk Thursday
Weather conditions have created extreme fire risk conditions in parts of Minnesota, forcing the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning which is effective into Thursday evening.
The National Weather Service issued the Red Flag Warning for 18 counties in northwest Minnesota, and it will remain in effect through 7:00 p.m.
A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and easily and progress out of control under the current weather conditions, including strong wind and low relative humidity.
“Embers can be carried for over a mile in high winds like this. People should use extreme caution until conditions improve,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.
Be Careful In Areas Where A Red Flag Warning Exists
Residents are urged not to burn in those counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should check any recent burning they may have done to ensure the fire is completely out.
The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning while a Red Flag Warning is in effect, and campfires are discouraged.
The 18 counties affected by Thursday's Red Flag Warning include:
- Becker
- Beltrami
- Clay
- Clearwater
- Grant
- Hubbard
- Kittson
- Lake of the Woods
- Mahnomen
- Marshall
- Norman
- Otter Tail
- Pennington
- Polk
- Red Lake
- Roseau
- Wadena
- Wilkin.
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The DNR notes that Red Flag Warnings are evolving situations and anyone can visit the National Weather Service for updates.
More information and daily updates on current fire risks and open burning restrictions can be found on the DNR's statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page To receive email updates on current wildfire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.
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Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells