Wildfire

An estimated 9 million trees around the Bemidji area were damaged or downed in the June 2025 storm. Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood said planning for spring fire danger has been ongoing since.

Beltrami County Emergency Management is seeking public input as it works to update its hazard mitigation plan for events like floods, drought and severe windstorms.

Counties are required to update hazard mitigation plans every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more.

Cool temperatures and cloudy, weather have assisted firefighting efforts, with chances of rain Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. A portion of the Superior Hiking Trail remains closed.

The fire has been mapped at 160 acres. A predicted change in weather calls for increased and shifting winds, creating a potential to push the fire toward the trail.

Plus: The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced it secured two settlements against northern Minnesota employers for sex discrimination; and the US Small Business Administration is operating a disaster loan outreach center through Oct. 18 in Bemidji for those impacted by the June 21 severe storms.

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center reported the fire is burning in mixed maple hardwoods and fall leaf litter, primarily in a ridge area of the park.

Strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels across Northern Minnesota so far this fall have led to near-critical fire conditions, where outdoor fires could spread rapidly.

Plus: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced it has $11 million to expand its innovative irrigation program; MnDOT staff will host an open house in Cloquet ahead of a planned 2028 project Thursday, Oct. 2; and Kootasca Community Action is gathering gently used costumes for Grand Rapids and I-Falls trick-or-treaters.