Evacuation Order and Red Flag Warning Issued as Elevated Fire Danger Blankets Minnesota
Undated (KROC-AM News)- The dry and warm weather blanketing Minnesota has increased the risk of wildfires and has fueled a large and destructive blaze.
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One wildfire that broke out over the weekend in northern Minnesota has already torched more than 150 acres and has led to an evacuation order.
On Monday morning, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning that covers 80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties.
Northeast Minnesota Wildfire Leads to Evacuations, Torches Dozens of Acres
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the 911 call center took the report of a rapidly spreading grass fire in the 2200 block of Hwy. 44 in Ault Township, which is about 24 miles north of Two Harbors.
Officials say several dozen residents were forced by the fire to evacuate from their properties. Multiple cabins, garages and other structures have been affected by the fire.
No injuries have been reported as of Sunday afternoon.
As of 11:30 Monday morning, the fire has burned 750 acres. Over 50 homes and cabins have been evacuated and at least three homes have burned down.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Red Flag Warning Issued for 80 of Minnesota's 87 Counties
Weather conditions are not expected to aid the firefighting effort on Monday. St. Louis County is included in a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service Monday morning.
Olmsted County and six other counties in southeastern Minnesota are the only counties spared from the warning. Goodhue, Freeborn, Rice and Steele Counties are included in Monday’s Red Flag Warning.
Story updated to include new information from the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office
Wildfire Safety Information From the National Weather Service
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