Fire Weather Watch issued for 61 counties this weekend
Fire danger is high across the state. This weekend, low humidity and wind are predicted to produce near-critical fire weather conditions and contribute to increased fire danger Saturday and Sunday. In these conditions, any spark can start a wildfire that spreads quickly and gets out of control.
All outdoor burning is discouraged. The DNR will not issue or activate permits for the open burning of brush or yard waste in areas with spring burning restrictions in place or when a Red Flag Warning is in effect.
Fire Weather Watch for Saturday, May 10
Tomorrow morning, Saturday, May 10, through Sunday evening, May 11, for parts of northwest Minnesota.
Counties include Beltrami, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, and Roseau.
Fire Weather Watch for Sunday, May 11
Nearly all of Minnesota on Sunday, May 11, from morning until evening.
Counties include Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Douglas, Faribault, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kanabec, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac Qui Parle, Lake Of The Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Watonwan, Wilkin, Wright, and Yellow Medicine.
 Map from the National Weather Service showing counties with a Fire Weather Watch for Sunday, May 11.
Play it Safe
Use caution and monitor conditions throughout the weekend.
Any heat source could spark a wildfire. Remember:
- Make sure trailer chains are secured and off the ground, so they don’t drag and throw sparks.
- Park on gravel or pavement whenever possible. Hot engines and exhausts can start dry grass on fire.
- If yard work is in your plans, stay alert. Tractors, lawnmowers, weed whips, and other equipment all produce enough heat to spark dry leaves or grass.
- If you’re enjoying a shore lunch, keep your fire small, not tall. Watch over your fire at all times and make sure it is out cold before you leave. Pour lots of water on the fire and stir. Feel with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Drown all the embers with water again, not just the red ones, until the hissing sound stops.
Red Flag Warnings are evolving situations. Visit the National Weather Service (weather.gov) for updates.
For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions). To receive text updates on current wildfire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.
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