Minnesota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Minnesota - May 11, 2026

Overview

Minnesota is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to unseasonably warm temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds spreading across the state. The state has seen a significant surge in early-season wildfire activity compared to last year, with 67 fires burning over 1,080 acres so far this season. The current Preparedness Level for Minnesota is 4, indicating that state and interagency resources are heavily committed to managing fire activity and preparedness.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There is steady initial attack activity across Minnesota, with local fire departments and agencies rapidly responding to smaller grass and brush fires. Over the past 72 hours, escaped fires from burning vegetative debris have remained the number one cause of wildfires in the state. Firefighters are highly focused on containing these escaped debris burns to prevent them from spreading into surrounding timber, properties, and structures.

Key Fires:

• Salix Fire: Located near Warroad, this is currently the largest active fire of the season at 241 acres. It is being fueled by fine fuels, including dry grasses and brush, which have dried out quickly due to the low relative humidity.
• Hansen Fire: Located near Madison, this fire has burned 100 acres and is driven by similar dry grass and brush conditions.
• Rl 031 Sayersville Fire: Located near Clearbrook, this fire has burned 95 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is conducting seasonal prescribed burns this spring in areas such as Shingle Creek Prairie, Cedar Lake Prairie, and Nokomis Prairie. These operations aim to manage invasive plants and maintain healthy native habitats, but they are strictly regulated by daily weather and wind conditions.
Burn Restrictions: Due to the elevated fire danger, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has expanded open burning restrictions across dozens of counties, including Becker, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, and St. Louis. The DNR will not issue open burning permits for brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Over the past 72 hours, extreme fire risk conditions prompted the National Weather Service to issue widespread Red Flag Warnings across central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota. Affected counties included Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Pine, and St. Louis, among others.
Forecasted Weather: A strong El Niño cycle is expected to continue bringing warmer and drier conditions to the region. West winds of 10-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, combined with relative humidity dropping as low as 15-25%, are creating critical fire weather. The combination of low humidity and strong winds means that fine fuels can ignite easily, allowing fires to spread rapidly and grow out of control.
Air Quality: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is predicting an active air quality season. Minnesotans should expect 12 to 16 days of wildfire smoke impacts this summer due to expected drought conditions and the potential for smoke from Canadian wildfires to travel south into the state.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised not to burn vegetative debris in counties where restrictions or Red Flag Warnings are in effect, and to double-check any recent burns to ensure they are completely out. Embers can be carried for over a mile in high winds. People should use extreme caution with activities that can cause sparks, such as securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws outside of peak warning hours.
Resource Allocation: Agencies are actively training for the increased fire risk, with the annual Minnesota Wildfire Academy scheduled to prepare wildland firefighters for the challenging season ahead.

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 & Burning Restrictions: mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions
Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS): mnics.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.