Watch CBS News

Week Of Dry Weather Boosts Wildfire Threat

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – State officials are warning that this week's forecast of warm and dry weather comes with an increased risk of wildfires.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Monday that some swamps and woods in the state have yet to "green up," meaning that dead vegetation in those areas is able to get dangerously dry.

Currently, most counties in north and northwestern Minnesota have a fire danger rating of extreme. The rest of the state is either at a rating of very high or high.

Burn restrictions are in effect for all of Minnesota, with burn permits being issued in only the southeastern corner of the state and along a section of the Dakota border.

In most of the state, from the Twin Cities on upward, no burning permits are being issued, but campfires are allowed.

Several hundred wildfires occur in Minnesota in the spring, and almost all of them are caused by people, DNR officials say.

Wild fires typically break out in the evening, when humidity is low.

For more information on the danger of wildfires and burning restrictions, click here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.