Duluth, MN – Residents across northern and western Minnesota are being urged to use caution outdoors today as weather conditions raise the risk for fast-spreading fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks and Duluth, relative humidity levels will dip into the 20 to 30 percent range Saturday afternoon, while winds gust between 20 and 25 mph. These dry and breezy conditions, combined with already parched vegetation, could allow any fire that starts to spread quickly.
The near-critical fire weather outlook covers communities across northwest Minnesota—including Crookston, Moorhead, Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, and Fergus Falls—as well as northeast Minnesota, stretching from International Falls and Ely down to Brainerd, Hibbing, Duluth, and Aitkin.
Meteorologists warn the heightened risk will continue through the afternoon and early evening hours. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning, properly extinguish campfires, and secure any equipment that could produce sparks.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to update fire danger ratings and burning restrictions across the state. Officials recommend checking current restrictions at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html before starting any fires.
With dry fuels and gusty winds in place, the National Weather Service stresses that even a small fire could become dangerous in minutes.
