High winds, low humidity bring critical fire weather to Northern MN

Wind gusts reaching 50 mph or more and humidity dropping to 15-20% have prompted a red flag warning and extreme fire danger conditions on Tuesday, May 20, for Northern Minnesota.

A high wind warning will also be in effect noon-6 p.m. Tuesday for southern St. Louis and Carlton counties, including the tribal lands of the Fond du Lac Band, and a wind advisory through 1 a.m. Wednesday covers the area where the large Jenkins Creek and Cook House fires are burning.

The National Weather Service in Duluth reported a strong high pressure system over Ontario, Canada, will bring an area of very dry air to Northern Minnesota, along with a tight pressure gradient that will make for strong east winds. The red flag warning extends westward through Koochiching, Itasca, Lake of the Woods and northern Beltrami counties, including the Red Lake Nation.

"Any fires that ignite could spread rapidly and become difficult to control," the weather service warned. "Outdoor burning is not recommended."

Firefighting crews increased the containment lines on the Camp House Fire on Monday to 59%, strengthening the perimeter in preparation for Tuesday's gusty winds, according to the Eastern Area Incident Management Team. The fire was listed at 12,106 acres as of Tuesday morning.

On the Jenkins Creek Fire, which is just 6% contained, more crews will be assigned to the western side of the fire in the event of flare-ups triggered by the winds. The size of the fire increased by 372 acres compared to Monday's update.

"Firefighters assigned to a Structure Protection group established a firefighting plan for Skibo and Hoyt Lakes in case the fire advances in that direction," the daily update stated. "This work included adding fuel breaks and setting hose lays vital to slowing fire spread. Crews will continue to work along the entire perimeter of the fire today."

Additional changes to evacuation levels and road closures were announced by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office on Monday.

Brimson Road is now open to through-traffic. The section of Highway 44 south from Brimson Road is also open, while Highway 44 north from Brimson Road remains closed to Town Line Road.

Evacuation Zone 6 was downgraded to “Set” status. Authorities say vehicles should avoid stopping anywhere in the evacuation “Go” zones to minimize exposure and risk. Drivers are also asked to take extra caution due to the continued presence of emergency crews, utility crews and other curious or distracted drivers.