Duluth, Minnesota – 30 mph wind gusts are driving wildfire risk through Saturday evening, creating dangerous fire conditions across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
Dry air and gusty winds are combining today to produce critical fire weather conditions across the Northland. Relative humidity levels are dropping into the 20% to 30% range across much of the region, while wind gusts increase into the 25 to 30 mph range, creating an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Red Flag Warning is in effect across portions of northeast Minnesota, including areas near Duluth, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and International Falls. Parts of northwest Wisconsin, including Ashland and Hayward, are also seeing elevated fire danger due to similar conditions.
Forested areas and dry grasses across the Arrowhead region are especially vulnerable, with fire spread potential heightened along corridors such as U.S. Highway 53 and Highway 2. Any spark—from campfires, equipment, or roadside sources—could quickly grow into a fast-moving wildfire.
Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning, follow state-issued burning restrictions, and use extreme caution with any activity that could produce sparks. Fire crews may face difficult containment conditions due to wind-driven fire behavior.
Critical fire conditions will persist through the evening before winds gradually decrease overnight. Elevated fire danger may continue into Sunday depending on how quickly humidity recovers, with additional advisories possible.
