Update: This story was updated to include the red flag warning issued Monday morning.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning Monday morning, Nov. 3, for Aitkin, Carlton, Pine and St. Louis counties.
The warning is effective 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Elevated fire weather conditions are expected to develop across much of Minnesota on Monday afternoon with the combination of breezy winds and dry conditions.
A red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the current weather conditions, including high wind gust and low relative humidity.
"Residents should not burn in those counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should check any recent burning they might have done to ensure the fire is completely out," the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stated in a news release.
"The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning during the Red Flag Warning, and campfires are discouraged."
Westerly winds are expected to sustain between 15 mph and 20 mph, with gusts up to 25-30 mph later in the day. Relative humidity is forecast to drop to 25-30% in the afternoon.
"These conditions will work together to support elevated potential for rapid fire spread," according to the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks.
Check burning restrictions and fire danger near you before burning. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, most of Cass and all of Crow Wing counties are experiencing high fire danger Monday. Fire permits there are restricted to agency approved permits only. Cook and Lake counties also have restrictions on fire permits.
-
Contributed/Cass County Sheriff's OfficeThe search effort for Jamie Lyle Lucas, who was last seen on July 3, 2020, coincides with his birthday. Authorities seek public assistance with the investigation. -
Contributed/Staples-Motley Speech via FacebookSpeakers from Bemidji, Cass Lake-Bena, Pequot Lakes, Pillager, Walker, Laporte, Cherry, Mountain Iron-Buhl, Red Lake County, UNC, Staples-Motley and Crookston took home hardware. -
Contributed/Book cover—Penguin Random House, Author photo—Asa RogersWriter Sarah L. Kaufman’s “Verb Your Enthusiasm” is an elegant guide to the promise, power and poetry of the underrated verb. -
And: Experts say Minnesota has tools to counter growing wildfire risk. -
Plus: Essentia Health recently broke ground on a $12 million expansion of the Fosston hospital's emergency room.
-
Contributed/Jerry Burnes / Iron Range TodayNumerous groups along the Iron Range are hosting a candidate forum on April 30, 2026, for the nine candidates vying for the DFL endorsement in the 8th Congressional District race. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEDaniel Dale was out on $1 million bail when he allegedly got into a physical altercation with two family members April 21, 2026, resulting in domestic assault charges. -
Ekaterina Bolovtsova via PexelsThe Grand Rapids-based foundation said there is an ongoing conflict of interest in the trust management, amid several years of underperformance that is "not sustainable." -
And: Minnesota Outdoors Recreation Industry Partnership will share economic impact report at Brainerd event Tuesday, April 28.
-
Contributed/Bemidji School DistrictIn its April 20, 2026, meeting, the School Board approved a series of cuts in licensed and non-licensed staff and approved a tentative agreement with the local teachers union.
