Minnesota Wildfires

MPR News keeps track of real-time wildfire updates so you can keep yourself and your family safe. Check out current air quality conditions with our map of the latest AQI sensor readings, or scroll down for other news about wildfires in Minnesota.

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May 12, 2024 2:00 PM

Air quality alert for southern Minnesota extended through 11 p.m. Monday

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to create hazy conditions across Minnesota on Monday morning. An air quality alert is in effect for southern Minnesota through 11 p.m.

by MPR News Staff

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April 25, 2024 12:35 PM

How will Canada wildfires affect Minnesota air quality in 2024?

Drought, strong winds, warmer temperatures and a dry winter have created perfect conditions for a dangerous wildfire season — both here in Minnesota and across the border in Canada. Last summer, heavy smoke drifted south into Minnesota, causing a record number of air quality alerts.

by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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April 18, 2024 4:30 AM

Wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.

Two new studies show the unseen toll smoke is taking on people across the country. Climate change is likely to make the problem even bigger.

by Alejandra Borunda

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March 3, 2024 4:54 PM

Wildfires burn thousands of acres in southern, western Minnesota

Wildfires in southern and western Minnesota left at least three people injured and burned more than 3,000 acres Sunday amid warm weather, gusty winds and low humidity.

by Cari Spencer and Nicole Ki

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March 2, 2024 8:00 AM

Minnesota braces for potentially severe wildfire season

More than 50 wildfires have already been reported in Minnesota this year. It is an early indication of what could become an especially active spring fire season after a historically warm and dry winter.

by Dan Kraker

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February 28, 2024 4:00 AM

'Zombie fires' under snow raise concern for upcoming wildfire season

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildfire operations supervisor William Glesener explained how fires can burn under snow blankets and lead to a more active wildfire season.

by Cathy Wurzer and Lukas Levin

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December 18, 2023 11:44 AM

A gloomy year-end review: Minnesotans inhaled more wildfire smoke in 2023 than much of the U.S.

A new Axios report sums up the impacts of exceptionally poor air quality caused by Canadian wildfires.

by Cathy Wurzer and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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September 6, 2023 4:29 PM

Crews continue work to contain 70-acre wildfire in Carlton County

Crews continued battling a wildfire Wednesday in Carlton County that prompted the evacuation of a half-dozen homes.

by MPR News Staff

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September 5, 2023 8:36 AM

Crews battle wildfire in Carlton County

Crews continued battling a 40-acre wildfire Tuesday in Carlton County, with aircraft back on the scene to drop water on the flames that were first spotted the day before.

by MPR News Staff

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August 30, 2023 9:10 AM

Heat builds after Wednesday; air quality alert extended for SW Minnesota

Wednesday will be the last day of near-normal temperatures before we heat up. Air quality has improved for most but pockets of unhealthy air remain in western Minnesota.

by Sven Sundgaard

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