Smoke columns from the Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fires as seen from across the Whiteface River. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Incident Center. 

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated 5:00 p.m. May 13, 2025

5:00 p.m. update: 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke for northeast Minnesota. This includes the northern portions of Cook and Lake Counties and Grand Portage. 

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange AQI category, a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Original post:

Extreme fire danger continues Tuesday across most of Minnesota. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth issued a Red Flag Warning effective May 13 for 67 counties for "critical fire risk." Conditions that elevate the risk of rapid and uncontrollable fire spread are expected, including warm temperatures, winds from the south at 10-20 mph (with gusts of 15-25 mph), and low relative humidity around 15-30%. The northern portions of Lake and Cook Counties are included in this warning. 

Three wildfires are currently burning in NE Minnesota. To see the latest updates, click here.

Image: NWS

Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has placed the entire state under "extreme" fire risk, meaning the fire situation is "explosive," and can result in extensive property damage. Open burning is prohibited across Minnesota, although campfires in established rings are still allowed but discouraged. The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits during this time. The extreme fire risk includes all portions of Lake and Cook Counties and Grand Portage. 

 

 Image: MN DNR

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has also issued an Air Quality Alert for the northern portions of Lake and Cook Counties due to smoke from three wildfires in northern Minnesota. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange US Air Quality Index (AQI) category. This level is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with lung issues. Those in these categories should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors. 

 Image: MPCA

Stay tuned to Boreal Community Media for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the DNR offers text message updates on current wildfire risk and Minnesota open-burning restrictions; individuals can subscribe by texting “FIRE” to 66468.