Near critical fire weather today, firefighters respond to blaze in Barrows

Near critical fire weather conditions continue this afternoon in the Brainerd lakes area.

About 10:30 a.m. today, Brainerd firefighters responded to a report of heavy fire in a garage in Barrows that was threatening to turn into a running fire into the woods. No injuries were reported and no one was reported home at the residence at the time of the fire. The Department of Natural Resources firefighters were also called to the scene a few miles south of Brainerd.

Breezy, dry and warm weather are creating ripe conditions for wildfire.

Another fire was reported northeast of Longville.

South winds are expected to gust to 20 to 30 mph today. Humidity values are dropping to 27 to 35 percent, the National Weather Service reported. These conditions combined with dry grasses and brush will allow any fire to spread quickly this afternoon into the early evening hours.

The high today in Brainerd is expected to reach 73 degrees beneath mostly sunny skies and with breezy conditions. Winds may gust as high as 30 mph.

Warm and dry conditions may persist into Saturday, although there is also a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Chance for rain continues at a slightly higher percentage on Sunday and temperatures will cool a bit as the southern wind shifts to coming from the northwest by the afternoon. Highs Sunday may top out out at 60 degrees. After a slight chance of showers Monday afternoon, conditions are expected to be dry. For the coming week, highs are expected in the mid- to upper-60s, pushing again toward 70 degrees by Wednesday.

1/4: About 10:30 a.m. today, Brainerd firefighters responded to a report of heavy fire in a garden shed in Barrows that was threatening to turn into a running fire. The Department of Natural Resources firefighters were also called to the scene a few miles south of Brainerd. Submitted photo by Molly Jordan.

2/4: Department of Natural Resources firefighters were also called to the scene a few miles south of Brainerd. Submitted photo by Bobbie VanHorn.

3/4: Department of Natural Resources firefighters were also called to the scene a few miles south of Brainerd. Submitted photo by Bobbie VanHorn.

4/4: Firefighters respond to a fire in an outbuilding in Barrows Friday morning. The Brainerd Fire Department and DNR firefighters were at the scene, which spread beyond the building. The area is in near critical fire danger today with dry conditions, low humidity, gusting winds and warm temperatures. Spenser Bickett/Brainerd Dispatch