The Brainerd lakes area will be in a red flag warning from noon to 7 p.m. today, May 4, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported.
A red flag warning-which means critical fire weather conditions are occurring-is expected over northeast Minnesota this afternoon, the NWS reports. Northwest winds of 15-20 mph with gusts around 25 mph are expected as humidity values drop to between 15-25 percent.
The red flag warning affected areas include the counties of Crow Wing, Cass and Aitkin.
Burning restrictions continue to be in effect, so fire officials urge people to check the DNR burning restrictions website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html for fire danger and current permitting/restrictions.
Minnesota Interagency Fire Center based in Grand Rapids has aircraft positioned at Brainerd, Bemidji, Ely, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Princeton and Warroad. It's a fleet of five Fire Bosses, three single engine tankers, four fixed-wing, five air attack and 14 helicopters.
