Northern MN fire personnel respond to grass fires during red flag conditions

As Red Flag Warnings continue for much of Minnesota with dry fuels and warm, windy air, fire personnel across Northern Minnesota have been busy this week responding to grass fires.

A St. Louis County woman is facing charges of negligent burning following a grass fire that expanded to 10 acres Tuesday, April 21.

Deputies, local fire departments, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responded to a report of a grass fire just after noon on Tuesday. The fire, on Sheldon Road in Ellsburg Township, consumed a few uninhabited outbuildings but was contained a few hours later.

On Monday, responders in the Park Rapids area battled a 10-acre grass fire that escaped into the woods. As of Wednesday, the fire was 100% contained.

Under Red Flag Warnings, burning permits for brush piles will not be issued. Residents are advised to avoid activities during these conditions that can cause wildfires, such as leaving campfires unattended, creating sparks near dry fuels such as a dragging chain, or even having hot exhaust pipes from recreational vehicles on tall, dry grass.