NORTH SHORE — Minnesota public safety officials are reminding the public it is illegal to fly drones near wildfires after firefighters encountered one Tuesday, March 12, while battling a small blaze near Split Rock Lighthouse.
The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids reported while a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter was refueling at the scene, firefighters on the ground spotted the drone while they worked to control the 1-acre fire.
The helicopter remained grounded until firefighters confirmed the drone had landed, and then returned to base.
Firefighters are already facing hectic and dangerous circumstances, the fire center stated, with smoke-filled air limiting visibility on the ground and in the air.
Minnesota law prohibits interfering with a firefighter in their official duties, including unauthorized drones that delay or restrict responding aircraft. From the moment a wildfire starts until it is out cold, the fire center said Minnesotans should expect aircraft on the way or already responding.
Early fire season
Wildfire activity throughout Minnesota has steadily climbed since mid-February as dry conditions persist. Beginning Monday, the DNR is restricting open burning in 38 counties, including much of Northern Minnesota.
The restrictions apply in the following counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Sherburne, St. Louis County (southern half), Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin and Wright.
The agency will not issue burn permits in these areas until restrictions are lifted.
People cause over 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. And as of the latest Minnesota Interagency Fire Center report, more than 5,200 acres have burned this year in human-caused fires.
Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change.
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.
-
The Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force is implementing automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs, in its jurisdictional boundaries. Civil liberties groups join those concerned with the lack of public knowledge and oversight into how this data is used. -
Plus: The Minnesota PCA will host an informational meeting on permitting and variance requests from US Steel's Keetac Mine in Virginia on Sept. 3; and Wadena drivers can expect major traffic changes as Highway 10 opens and work starts on Highway 71.
-
Contributed/Chad Davis via FlickrExperts emphasize that people should learn authentic ways to support school shooting survivors, even after the stories fade from headlines. -
Lorie ShaullThe free event focuses on practical ways to improve woodland habitat for wildlife, while keeping forests healthy and productive for future generations, the SWCD said. -
Contributed/MnDOTDrivers in Wadena can expect two-lane traffic on Highway 10 to begin late on August 29, 2025, with Highway 71 closing as construction continues. -
Contributed/Miracle-Ear FoundationThe Miracle-Ear Foundation is partnering with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Tribal Public Health to offer free hearing screenings and hearing aids for up to 100 people. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXETwelve new automatic license plate readers went up in Bemidji and other MN cities in May 2025. But the Flock Safety cameras raise concerns with privacy advocates. -
Plus: Minneapolis mass shooting spurs talk of advanced, compassionate interventions; and a judge rejects a guilty plea in a Nashwauk voter fraud case.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEIron Rangers are concerned about the future of the facility because U.S. Steel estimated an $814 million cost to comply with the state's wild rice sulfate standard. -
Recent findings showed those who carry out school shootings are often in a noticeable crisis, meaning students, staff and parents should be trained to recognize concerning behavior.
