Minnesota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Minnesota - April 20, 2026

Overview

Minnesota is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk as it navigates its early spring fire season. Melting snow has exposed dry, dead vegetation on the ground, creating highly available fuel for fires to start and spread. The combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, dry air, and gusty winds has led to critical fire weather conditions across much of the state.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Fire activity within Minnesota is currently manageable, with no large-scale mega-fires active within the state over the last 72 hours. However, local fire departments and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are actively responding to numerous smaller grass and brush fires, as well as escaped burn piles. Escaped fires from burning vegetative debris remain the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota. Firefighters are working to quickly contain these escaped fires while also preparing for potential new starts as weather conditions remain dry and favorable for rapid fire spread.

Key Fires:
Currently, there are no large-scale wildfires burning in Minnesota. Recent fire activity over the last 72 hours has been limited to smaller, localized grass and brush fires. These fires are primarily being fueled by dry, dead vegetation, grasses, and brush left behind after the winter snowmelt.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Minnesota DNR is actively managing the elevated risk by expanding spring open burning restrictions. On Monday, April 20, the DNR added 15 northern counties to the restricted list, bringing the total to 44 counties statewide where open burning of brush and yard waste is strictly off-limits. The DNR is not issuing or activating open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning and strongly discourages campfires until conditions improve.

Air Quality: While there are no massive smoke plumes from large-scale wildfires, smoke from localized grass and brush fires, as well as escaped burn piles, may temporarily impact air quality in immediate downwind areas. Residents with respiratory sensitivities should exercise caution if they smell smoke nearby.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Unseasonably warm, dry, and breezy conditions are present across the state. High temperatures are reaching the 60s and 70s, accompanied by southerly winds at 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. Relative humidity has dropped to critically low levels, hovering around 20%.

Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 66 counties across Minnesota, including all of Northern Minnesota, effective until 8 p.m. on April 20. A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions. A summerlike warming trend will build through midweek, with highs in the 80s expected by Wednesday, keeping fire concerns elevated. Relief from the dry stretch may arrive Thursday as a cold front sweeps through the region, bringing chances for showers and thunderstorms.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly urged to avoid burning and use extreme caution with any activity that could cause sparks. Embers can be carried for over a mile in high winds. Residents should secure trailer chains, park ATVs on gravel or pavement, and use chainsaws or other equipment outside of Red Flag Warning hours. The DNR recommends residents compost, chip, or haul brush to local collection sites instead of burning.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and local agencies are actively monitoring the situation and responding to escaped debris fires. Agencies will continue to adjust burning restrictions as weather conditions change. Anyone who sets a fire that rekindles or escapes can be held liable for damages and suppression costs.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Minnesota DNR Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.