Wildfire conditions in northern Minnesota just went from bad to critical. A Red Flag Warning has been issued through Friday for seven northeastern counties as the region braces for dangerous winds, bone-dry air, and ongoing wildfires already burning thousands of acres. Winds could gust up to 50 mph, while humidity plummets to just 15%, making the area one spark away from a fast-moving disaster.
And this isn’t a hypothetical danger — fire crews are already battling three major wildfires that have destroyed homes, scorched tens of thousands of acres, and are spreading fast under these intensified conditions.
Where the Fire Threat Is Most Severe
The Red Flag Warning — the highest level of wildfire alert — now covers:
-
St. Louis County
-
Cook County
-
Lake County
-
Itasca County
-
Beltrami County
-
Koochiching County
-
Lake of the Woods County
These areas are under the greatest threat due to a lethal combination of dry fuels, strong winds, and low humidity. In other words, conditions are primed for any spark — from a chainsaw, a cigarette, even a car engine — to turn into a fast-moving wildfire.
What’s Driving This Red Flag Emergency?
Meteorologists point to a strong high-pressure system over Ontario that’s funneling dry, gusty air into Minnesota. At the same time, a tight pressure gradient is kicking up powerful east winds, especially near the Arrowhead region and Superior National Forest.
With relative humidity dropping as low as 15 to 20 percent, wildfires can ignite easily and spread uncontrollably. This weather pattern, combined with already dry ground and high fuel loads, has pushed fire risk to the extreme.
The Fires Already Burning
Firefighters are currently working around the clock to contain three major wildfires in the region:
-
Jenkins Creek Fire – Over 16,000 acres burned, with just 6% containment.
-
Camp House Fire – Scorched 12,000+ acres, currently 59% contained.
-
Munger Shaw Fire – Around 1,200 acres, with 95% containment, though flare-ups are possible with strong winds.
So far, more than 150 structures have been lost — including at least 30 year-round homes. Evacuation orders are in effect in some communities, and authorities are warning that conditions could worsen significantly if the forecast holds.
What You Need to Do Now
Officials are urging residents across the warning area to take extreme precautions:
-
Absolutely no outdoor burning. Campfires, brush piles, and burn barrels are banned.
-
Avoid any activity that might cause a spark. That includes using mowers, welding equipment, or parking on dry grass.
-
Prepare for potential evacuations. If you live near forested areas or active fire zones, review your evacuation plan now.
-
Stay informed. Monitor your local news, fire departments, and the National Weather Service for updates.
The Minnesota DNR has suspended all burning permits in the affected counties and is working with local agencies to patrol for fire risks.
Final Thoughts
Red Flag Warnings aren’t just about fire risk — they’re a clear signal that conditions are so severe, fires will spread faster than people can react. With winds howling and humidity plunging, all it takes is one spark. Add in the already active wildfires, and the picture becomes even more urgent.
If you’re in or near the affected counties — now is the time to act, prepare, and stay informed. Fires don’t wait.
