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 has warned 85 counties due to “extreme fire danger.” The warning states that critical fire conditions are possible across the state due to low humidity, very dry conditions and strong southerly winds.

Which provinces are included?

Red flag warning issued for 85 Minnesota counties on October 17, 2024. (Credit: National Weather Service) (included)

The red flag warning applies to all Minnesota counties except Cook and Lake counties in northeastern Minnesota. This is when the warning takes effect:

• The warning in northwestern Minnesota 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 warning in central and southern Minnesota 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, Paus , Ramsey, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Winona, Wright and Yellow Medicine.
• The warning for northeastern Minnesota 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 wind and humidity that could potentially create “near critical fire conditions.” The statement states that outdoor burning is not recommended.

What is a red flag warning?

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

When a red flag warning has been issued, the DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits, and campfires are discouraged.

Combustion restrictions

As of Thursday, the DNR has implemented fire restrictions for the entire state. Most of Minnesota is under no-burn restrictions, while northeastern Minnesota is under increased burning restrictions, meaning additional restrictions may be needed based on current fire danger.

On Wednesday, parts of central and southeastern Minnesota were under fire restrictions that required permits, or only agency-approved permits. However, these areas have been upgraded so that open burning is not permitted. The map showing the change in burning restrictions can be viewed below.

On Wednesday, the DNR listed much of Minnesota as at “very high” fire hazard risk, meaning fires can easily start and spread quickly. Parts of southeastern and northwestern Minnesota are at “high fire risk,” while northern Minnesota is at “moderate” fire risk. The DNR fire hazard map has not yet been updated on the website before October 17.

Drought conditions in Minnesota

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

The Twin Cities metro and areas of southern, central and northern Minnesota are listed as experiencing “moderate drought.” Areas in northeastern and southwestern Minnesota are experiencing “severe drought,” while other areas are experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions or no reported drought conditions.

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

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