Potassium

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Potassium Fire ignited on Sunday, May 03, 2026, in the city of Ramsey, located in Anoka County, Minnesota. The fire was reported near the intersection of Potassium Street Northwest, 156th Lane Northwest, and Krypton Street Northwest.
Size and Containment: Official incident reports indicate the fire is currently estimated at approximately 3,302 acres. Containment details are still developing as crews actively work the scene.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is primarily a grass and brush fire that spread into a swampy area just south of its origin point. Driven by dry, breezy conditions and low humidity, the fire quickly grew and spread, threatening nearby residential structures.
Containment Efforts: A massive multi-agency response has been deployed to protect structures and contain the blaze. At least eleven agencies are involved in the effort, including Ramsey Fire, Anoka-Champlain Fire, Andover Fire, Elk River Fire, Nowthen Fire, Oak Grove Fire, Rum River Fire, Coon Rapids Fire, SBM Fire, East Bethel Fire, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Ground and Air Fire units.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: While widespread evacuation zones have not been formally detailed, local authorities and multiple fire departments immediately responded to protect threatened homes in the vicinity of 157th Lane NW and County Road 47.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents in the immediate area of Potassium Street NW, 156th Lane NW, and Krypton Street NW should remain on high alert and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents should monitor alerts from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and local emergency management for any sheltering updates.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Localized road closures and traffic diversions are in effect around 156th Lane NW, 157th Lane NW, Potassium Street NW, and County Road 47 to allow emergency crews and apparatus safe access to the fire.
• Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the Ramsey area near the fire zone to allow firefighters room to work.

For more information, visit:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildfire Information
• Anoka County Sheriff's Office
• City of Ramsey Official Website

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the Potassium Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: At least one home along 157th Lane NW sustained significant damage from the flames. Additionally, a vehicle was reported burned in the house fire, and a large area of grassland and swamp has been scorched.
School and Business Closures: There are no major school or business closures reported at this time.
Notable Impacts: The fire has heavily impacted the local residential area in Ramsey, causing significant property damage to at least one residence and requiring an extensive 11-agency response to prevent further structural loss.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages have been officially reported, but localized shutoffs may occur for safety as crews work near residential infrastructure.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, though ash may settle in nearby bodies of water.
Burn Bans: The Minnesota DNR has implemented strict spring burning restrictions. Anoka County is currently under open burning restrictions, and the DNR is not issuing permits for the open burning of brush or yard waste due to the high risk of escaped fires.
Air Quality: Smoke from the burning swamp and grassland may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents in the path of the smoke plume are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters are continuing to battle the blaze using both ground and air resources from the DNR. The swampy terrain may complicate mop-up operations, but crews are focused on establishing containment lines to protect the surrounding neighborhoods.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The weather in the Anoka County area includes breezy conditions with highs near 70°F and very low humidity dropping to around 23%. The National Weather Service recently issued Red Flag Warnings across dozens of Minnesota counties due to a dangerous mix of low humidity and powerful wind gusts, warning that embers can be carried for over a mile in such conditions.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials are working to determine whether the fire started at the residence and spread to the grass and swamp, or if a grass fire spread to the home.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being fueled by extreme fire weather conditions, including unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind gusts. The Minnesota DNR notes that escaped fires from burning vegetative debris are the number one cause of wildfires in the state, and the current dry climate has created an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread with a speed that makes them difficult for emergency crews to manage.

For more information, visit:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Active Fire Maps
• Anoka County Emergency Management
• City of Ramsey Fire Department