Fire Danger Alert for Northland: Gusty Winds and Dry Conditions Expected

Residents across Northland counties are advised to exercise extreme caution today, October 10, due to near-critical fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth has issued a Special Weather Statement effective from 11:10 AM CDT, expiring at 7:00 PM CDT.

Strong south winds, blowing at 10 to 20 mph with gusts reaching 25 to 35 mph, combined with low relative humidity values of 30 to 35 percent, create an elevated risk for rapid fire spread. This alert impacts North St. Louis, Northern Cook/Northern Lake, North Itasca, Central St. Louis, North Cass, South Itasca, South Cass, Crow Wing, Northern Aitkin, South Aitkin, Carlton/South St. Louis, and Pine counties.

The NWS urges residents to check burning restrictions and fire danger before engaging in any outdoor burning activities. For more information on Minnesota's burning restrictions, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html. Take all necessary precautions to prevent accidental fires.