Minnesota DNR issues Red Flag fire danger warning for 77 counties

A Red Flag Warning was issued for Sunday, May 11 beginning at 11 a.m. for 77 Minnesota counties, including Cook, Lake, and St. Louis.

The warning, announced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), reflects the recent dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity that can contribute to increased fire danger.

A press release from the MN DNR on May 11 reads, “A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the current weather conditions, including strong winds and low relative humidity. Do not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and check any recent burning to ensure the coals are completely out cold.”

The 10 Minnesota counties not covered by the May 11 Red Flag Warning are all located in the far southeast corner of the state. The warning includes parts of northern Wisconsin and the eastern halves of both North Dakota and South Dakota. It remains in effect through 10 p.m. on Sunday.

While the Red Flag Warning expires Sunday night, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Monday, May 12 for 64 Minnesota counties and parts of northern Wisconsin.

During a Red Flag Warning the DNR does not issue burning permits. The MN DNR press release states that under both a Red Flag Warning and a Fire Weather Watch, campfires and outdoor burning is discouraged.

The fire warnings come in Minnesota as several wildfires continue to burn in Manitoba, Canada. Smoke from those fires have impacted air quality across the province and in some neighboring states.

Kirsten Wisniewski May 11, 2025