Although a fire danger warning for the area has been lifted, officials say dry, windy conditions in Borderland still put the area at risk for potential fires.
The National Weather Service had issued a red flag warning for fire danger across northern Minnesota due to continued dry conditions across the state. The warning which expired Wednesday night, included areas in Koochiching County and Voyageurs National Park.
Jon Handrick, assistant area forest supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Littlefork, said with small game hunting opening today, there will be an increase in activity in the woods and at hunting shacks, and regardless of an official warning, “people need to be careful.”
“Our biggest concerns are with equipment and campfires,” Handrick told The Journal Thursday.
Handrick said campfires should never be left unattended and should be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
“People need to wet those fire pits down,” he said. “They should be able to run their fingers through the coals and not feel any heat.”
He said he is aware of some campfires around the state that have gotten away from people and have burned down shacks, cabins, and several acres.
“Red Lake just had a 400-acre fire the other day,” Handrick said. “We’ve been pretty lucky in our area, but there have been some big (forest fires) not too far from home.”
Handrick also reminded people using ATVs, lawn mowers, and other equipment to be sure the engine cools down before leaving the machine. Handrick noted that “with everything as dry as it is, equipment can ignite a flame just as easily as campfires.”
Kevin Kraujalis, a meteorologist with the NWS in Duluth, said that while this week’s red flag warning was lifted, Saturday’s weather could change things.
“Saturday’s temperatures will be warmer with highs around 76 degrees,” he said.
In addition to the warm temperatures, winds will be out of the south at about 10-15 miles per hour, he said. “We might also see some gusts up to 25 miles per hour by Saturday afternoon.”
Relief to dry, warm temperatures may be granted Sunday with a forecast of 68 degrees and isolated rain showers in the afternoon.
“People still need to use caution,” Kraujalis said.
Other areas in the state are currently experiencing drought conditions. Kraujalis said central and northeastern Minnesota are the only declared spots not in an official drought.
Drought or not, Handrick said the DNR hasn’t seen mid-September conditions this dry since 1976.
“The rains just haven’t been substantial enough,” he said.
Handrick said while people are out and about during the weekend to report any sign of smoke by calling 911 immediately.
“With a quick response to any fire threat, we can get it under control in a hurry,” he said.
