Red Flag Warning: Extreme Fire Danger for 85 of 87 Minnesota counties

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A red flag warning was issued for most of Minnesota on Thursday due to the extreme fire danger.

The National Weather Service warned 85 counties of “extreme fire danger.” The warning says critical fire conditions are possible across the state due to low humidity, very dry conditions and strong southerly winds.

Which counties are included?

A red flag warning was issued for 85 counties in Minnesota on October 17, 2024. (Source: National Weather Service) (Included)

The red flag warning applies to all counties in Minnesota except Cook and Lake counties in northeastern Minnesota. From this point on, the warning comes into effect:

• The northwest Minnesota warning from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. applies to the following 18 counties: Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Grant, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake Of The Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Wadena and Wilkin.
• The central and southern Minnesota warning from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. applies to the following 58 counties: Anoka, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa, Chisago, Cottonwood, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore , Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Isanti, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmsted, Pipestone , Pope, Ramsey, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Winona, Wright and Yellow Medicine.
• The northeast Minnesota warning from noon to 7 p.m. applies to the following eight counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Koochiching, Pine and St. Louis.

A special weather statement has also been issued for Cook and Lake counties due to the potential for wind and moisture to lead to “near critical fire weather conditions.” The statement mentions that outdoor burning is discouraged.

What is a Red Flag Warning?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said a red flag warning means “fires can spread quickly and easily get out of control under forecast weather conditions, including gusty winds and low relative humidity.” Do not burn in red flag counties.” A warning is in effect. Check any recent fires to ensure the fire is completely out.”

When a Red Flag Warning is issued, the DNR will not issue or activate permits for open burning and campfires are discouraged.

Fire restrictions and fire hazard

DNR burn restrictions have been in effect statewide since Thursday. Most of Minnesota is under a ban on open burning, while northeastern Minnesota is under an enhanced burning ban, meaning additional restrictions may be necessary due to the current fire threat.

On Wednesday, parts of central and southeastern Minnesota were under burning restrictions that required permits or only government-approved permits. However, these areas have been upgraded to the point where open burning is no longer permitted. The map showing the change in burn restrictions can be seen below.

The DNR fire restrictions map for Minnesota for October 17 (left) and October 16 (right). (Included)

On Wednesday, the DNR listed much of Minnesota at a “very high” fire risk, meaning fires can start easily and spread quickly. Parts of southeastern and northwestern Minnesota are at a “high” fire risk, while northern Minnesota is at a “moderate” fire risk.

The DNR on Thursday classified much of Minnesota as an “extreme” fire danger, meaning “the fire situation is explosive and has the potential to result in significant property damage,” the website says. Meanwhile, northeastern Minnesota is at “high” fire risk, meaning a fire can easily start and spread quickly.

The Minnesota DNR fire danger map for October 17 (left) and October 16 (right). (Included)

Drought conditions in Minnesota

Due to the recent lack of rainfall, almost all of Minnesota is experiencing drought. While the state experienced a wet spring and summer, September was one of the warmest and driest Septembers ever recorded in Minnesota. September was also the sunniest month in 75 years and the Twin Cities experienced one of the driest growing days on record.

The Twin Cities metropolitan area and areas of southern, central and northern Minnesota are experiencing moderate drought. Areas of northeast and southwest Minnesota are experiencing “severe drought,” while other areas are experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions or no drought conditions are reported.

The Minnesota DNR lists at least 97% of Minnesota as unusually dry. With no significant rain forecast, the drought is likely to continue.

Map for drought conditions on October 15, 2024 in Minnesota. (Source: Minnesota DNR/National Drought Mitigation Center) (Included)