DNR warns of high fire danger across Minnesota this holiday weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking residents and visitors to use extreme caution with campfires and fireworks this holiday weekend due to expected statewide high fire danger. An unintentional spark in these dry conditions could ignite a wildfire.

Minnesota’s wildland fire management agencies report more than 1,400 wildland fires have burned roughly 35,000 acres since March. This number of wildfire starts is more than a typical calendar year. Dry conditions have been building since last fall, and many areas in Minnesota remain abnormally dry or in moderate drought.

The DNR urges celebrations that don’t include fireworks, and reminds the public that fireworks are not allowed in any state park, state forest or other DNR-administered lands.