National Weather Service Issues Red Flag Warning for 15 Minnesota Counties as Wildfires Spur Evacuations
Updated
Updated · KARE11.com · May 16
National Weather Service Issues Red Flag Warning for 15 Minnesota Counties as Wildfires Spur Evacuations
6 articles · Updated · KARE11.com · May 16
Fifteen counties in central and northeast Minnesota were placed under a Red Flag Warning for Saturday as crews battled multiple northern wildfires and evacuated areas near the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County.
Low humidity and high winds are driving extreme fire danger, conditions officials said can make fires spread quickly and escape control.
Crow Wing County opened a temporary evacuation point at the Crosslake Community Center for families affected by the Flanders wildfire, while another fire was reported growing along Stewart Trail near Two Harbors.
The warning covers counties including Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton and St. Louis, and state officials urged residents not to burn or do anything that could create sparks near vegetation.
The Minnesota DNR also told residents to check any recent burns are fully out and to avoid risks such as dragging trailer chains, parking ATVs on dry grass or using chainsaws until conditions improve.
Are current forest management strategies enough to stop these mega-fires from becoming Minnesota's new normal?
Is Minnesota's healthcare system ready for the chronic health crisis from worsening wildfire smoke?
With wildfire costs rising, how will Minnesota fund its multi-billion dollar climate adaptation plan?