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.
-
And: A new bill in the Minnesota Legislature would allow small school districts to shrink their school board size. -
Contributed/Beltrami CountyIn a Thursday, March 12, 2026, order, Judge Jeanine Brand said the attorney general’s office showed sufficient probable cause for the case against Michelle R. Skroch to move forward. -
Contributed/US House Clerk YouTube screenshotThe legislation was previously introduced in the Senate and aims to prevent fraud in the child care assistance program. The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota condemned the bill's name. -
Contributed/Minnesota Senate Media Services via YouTubeDistricts with fewer than a thousand students could ask voters to approve reducing board membership from six to five. Small districts often struggle to fill out their boards. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrThe North Shore saw snowfall totals closer to 8-12 inches. Another system this weekend could drop similar amounts on the areas that were missed March 12-13, 2026. -
Plus: Some aquatic invasive species prevention efforts to prepare for the impending open water season in Minnesota are already taking place.
-
Contributed/University of Minnesota ExtensionGetting an earlier start on targeted removal gives them a stronger chance to effectively manage invasive weeds over the course of an open-water season, professionals say. -
Megan Buffington/KAXETen days after the City Council approved a permit for a cannabis business in Second Harvest’s warehouse, the prospective buyer learned that the sale would not be taking place. -
Plus: The Cook County Sheriff is resigning in May 2026 to accept an early childhood education role; and Minnesota DEED awarded nearly $2 million to support Youthbuild programs.
-
Contributed/Cook CountyPat Eliason will resign effective May 8, 2026, after 31 years of service in public safety to Cook County.
