Ely, MN (The Northland's NewsCenter) - Fire danger in most of Minnesota is high to very high with extreme conditions in the border lakes area of St. Louis County north of Lake Vermilion.
Because of the fire danger, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has placed temporary burning restrictions in much of the northern half of the state.
The temporary burning restrictions mean the state will not give out burning permits for burning brush or yard waste until conditions improve. The following counties are under burning restrictions: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ottertail, Pennington, Pine, Polk, Ramsey, Red lake, Roseau, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Washington, and Wright.
Extreme fire conditions mean the fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely. All fires are potentially dangerous.
Very high fire danger means fires start very easily and intensify quickly. High fire danger conditions mean fires start easily and spread at a fast rate.
Today’s weather forecast is showing warm conditions with low relative humidity and moderate winds throughout most of the state, which could intensify fire danger.
This afternoon or evening, a cold front will move in, lowering temperatures, but winds are likely to increase keeping fire danger high. The front is not likely to include a lot of rain.
DNR fire managers urge people to use extreme caution while in forest and prairie lands during these dry conditions.
Fire conditions may change quickly over the next few days. For more information and maps, and to check fire conditions, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.
Posted to the web by Krista Burns