St. Louis County, MN – Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning Sunday as dangerous fire weather spreads across northern Minnesota under a Red Flag Warning and enhanced burning restrictions.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning took effect Sunday, July 12, 2026, at noon for Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties due to dry conditions, very high temperatures, strong wind gusts, and low relative humidity.
The National Weather Service also issued a Fire Weather Watch for portions of northwest Minnesota, where conditions could rapidly worsen.
During the Red Flag Warning, burn permits will not be issued or activated, and officials strongly urge residents not to burn brush or yard debris. The DNR is also asking people to ensure any recent campfires are completely extinguished and to use extra caution with equipment that could create sparks, including trailers, ATVs, chainsaws, and other machinery.
Enhanced burning restrictions that began at 8 a.m. Sunday are now in effect for Cook, Lake, and northern St. Louis counties. Under those restrictions, dispersed, remote, backpacking, and backcountry campfires are prohibited. Campfires are also banned in state forests, including campgrounds, day-use areas, and backpacking sites.
Officials said fireworks may not be ignited on public or private land outside city limits, and burning brush or yard waste is prohibited. Campfires remain allowed only in established fire rings at homes, cabins, permanent campgrounds, resorts, and state parks, but authorities strongly discourage their use during the warning.
The restrictions are consistent with measures implemented by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Voyageurs National Park, and the U.S. Forest Service in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest.
Residents can monitor the latest fire danger information and burning restrictions through the Minnesota DNR and National Weather Service.
