The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning ahead of warmer temperatures expected Saturday, March 28.
Low relative humidity combined with gusting southwest winds between 25 and 30 miles per hour could result in conditions where any fire could develop and spread quickly.
As of Friday, the National Weather Service issued the Red Flag Warning for 72 of the state's 87 counties, including areas of the Arrowhead and Northwest Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warned on its website that a fire weather watch will be in place for most of the state Saturday.
"People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws or other equipment outside of the red flag warning hours," stated a DNR news release.
Under red flag warning conditions, outdoor burning is not recommended. Burning permits are required in most of the state as of Friday.
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Contributed/Francesco Ungaro via PexelsThe Cass County Sheriff’s Office received the report about 10:45 p.m. at the sawmill east of Highway 371. Deputies found the kiln drying and storage building engulfed in flames. -
Plus: Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber's bill for Great Lakes restoration funding passed the House with bipartisan support; Minnesota will no longer recognize Cesar Chavez Day; and St. Louis County seeks public input on how to use opioid settlement funds. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountySt. Louis County has received three rounds of funding from the class-action opioid settlement and is seeking program ideas that assist people in the criminal justice system. -
The Republican from Hermantown authored the American Water Stewardship Act, and it passed March 24, 2026, with bipartisan support. -
Contributed/MnDOTThe Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an open house March 31, 2026, ahead of the first year of its project on Highway 210 in Brainerd. -
Contributed/Paul Bunyan CommunicationsThree projects in Aitkin, Hubbard, Itasca and St. Louis counties are expected to provide high-speed internet options to 3,200 locations. -
And: Bemidji community urges Board to keep J.W. Smith open; and a Cuyuna rec area land dispute prompts road closure confusion, concerns.
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Contributed/Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails via FacebookThe DNR said a closure notice because of a land dispute in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area was an error, but it’s unclear how access could be affected moving forward. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji Area Schools is considering consolidating its elementary schools by closing J.W. Smith, and community members are urging the Board to look at other options. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXEThe Bridge on 7th gained the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Commission for its permit. On April 6, 2026, that permit will go before the Brainerd City Council.
