Minnesota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Minnesota - June 20, 2026

Overview

Minnesota is experiencing an active fire season driven by periods of dry conditions, high winds, and low relative humidity. While recent scattered rain has provided some relief in specific regions, underlying dry conditions and dense vegetation continue to pose a wildfire threat, particularly in the northern and northeastern parts of the state. State and local interagency crews remain heavily committed to suppressing active fires and monitoring for new starts.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, wildland fire crews have continued to manage and monitor multiple wildfires across northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) and local agencies are actively patrolling for hot spots. Firefighters are working to fully contain existing blazes while remaining prepared for potential new ignitions.

Key Fires:

• Flanders Fire: Located near Crosslake in Crow Wing County, this fire previously prompted local evacuations east of East Horseshoe Lake Road and south of County Road 11. Fueled by dry brush, grass, and timber, the battle against the blaze is now winding down, and the fire is fully contained. Crow Wing County has extended its local emergency to assess the cost of damages, and an investigation into the cause is ongoing.
• Birch Bay Fire: Burning near the North Arm of Burntside Lake, about eight miles northwest of Ely. It has burned approximately 30 to 35 acres. Nine cabins were evacuated due to the threat, but no structures have been lost. Firefighters are currently being aided by light winds and water-scooping planes to reinforce containment lines.
• Stewart Trail Fire: Located on the Stewart Trail north of Two Harbors. Crews are actively working to contain this growing fire, which continues to be fueled by dry vegetation in the area.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Officials with the Superior National Forest are ending the temporary campfire ban in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), as recent rainfall has eased fire danger across parts of northern Minnesota. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to enforce burning restrictions in several counties and will not issue or activate open burning permits for large debris burning in high-risk areas.

Air Quality: Smoke from recent blazes and smoldering hotspots may continue to impact localized areas in northern Minnesota. Residents in affected areas should remain aware of potential air quality fluctuations and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Scattered showers and light winds have recently aided firefighting efforts in parts of northern Minnesota, bringing some temporary relief to the region.
Forecasted Weather: A Red Flag Warning was recently issued for 15 counties in central and northeast Minnesota (including Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, Pine, Otter Tail, Wadena, Grant, Douglas, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, and Benton) due to extremely high fire risk from dry weather, low relative humidity, and strong winds. Looking ahead, mostly cloudy conditions with slight chances of rain are expected over the weekend, with temperatures in the 70s.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to avoid burning debris and to take extra fire safety precautions. Authorities recommend securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using extreme caution with chainsaws or other equipment that could cause sparks near dry vegetation. The DNR also asks residents to check on any recent burning to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
Resource Allocation: Fire crews and law enforcement are coordinating closely to manage evacuations and structural protection. Temporary evacuation points, such as the Crosslake Community Center, have been established to assist families affected by the wildfires.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR): www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.