The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for 26 counties in parts of central and northwest Minnesota effective 1-6 p.m. Friday, May 8, due to extreme fire risk conditions.
Affected counties include Becker, Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Clay, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena and Wilkin.
A red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low relative humidity. The weather service in Duluth reported in its forecast that west winds of 10-20 mph are expected with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity is expected to be as low as 18%.
Near-critical fire weather conditions are forecast across much of the rest of Northern Minnesota.
Residents should not burn in counties where a red flag warning is in effect and should also check any recent burning they did to ensure the fire is completely out. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning and discourages campfires during the red flag warning.
People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking all-terrain vehicles on gravel or pavement and using chain saws or other equipment outside of the red flag warning hours.
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.
To receive text updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.
-
Events this week include a program on salamanders at the Sax-Zim Bog, a serenity stroll at Lake Bemidji State Park and a party at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/NewRange Copper NickelThe Babbitt mine and Hoyt Lakes processing plant is expected to impact about 1,100 acres of wetlands, according to the company's permit application. -
Contributed/Flickr user Dennis Sylvester HurdDuring the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders. -
Maria Hileman/KAXEKAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling, Mississippi Headwaters Music Festival, Caige Jambor, Miss Myra, Ruby Blue and Amanda Standalone. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe Brooklyn-based country musician stopped by KAXE on July 21, 2026, to talk about their new fourth album and country music background. -
Plus: The FBI launches a new "Voices Not Forgotten" initiative to raise awareness of cold cases in tribal nations. -
Contributed/FBIThe new program increases monetary rewards for information on six cold cases involving Native people where the FBI has jurisdiction, including one from the Red Lake Nation. -
Contributed/Steve KahlenbeckFifty years after experiencing a canoe trip into remote Canada that spanned 1,100 miles, a group of paddlers is reuniting. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEBeltrami County Master Gardener John Reff joined the KAXE Morning Show to talk about becoming a master gardener and gathering wildflower seeds. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEStoryteller Leif Wallin presents “A Night of Story, Music, and a Family Secret” at 7 p.m. Aug. 22, 2026, at the Bemidji Community Theater.
