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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Wildfire smoke

Air quality alert for all of Minnesota through noon Monday

May 12, 2024 2:00 PM

By MPR News Staff

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to create hazy conditions across Minnesota on Monday morning. An air quality alert is in effect for the entire state through noon.

A smoky skyline

Wildfire smoke in Minnesota: How to best protect your health and your home

June 27, 2023 12:30 PM

By Grace Birnstengel

Canada’s wildfire season is off to its worst start on record, and another air quality alert is in effect. Here’s what to know as smoky skies become more of a pattern than a novelty.

A driver watches a wildfire

How will Canada wildfires affect Minnesota air quality in 2024?

April 25, 2024 12:35 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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.

Wildfire smoke covered huge swaths of the U.S. in 2023, including places like New York City, where it has historically been uncommon. New research shows the health costs of breathing in wildfire smoke can be high.

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

April 18, 2024 4:30 AM

By Alejandra Borunda

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.

Smoke rises in the distance

Wildfires burn thousands of acres in southern, western Minnesota

March 3, 2024 4:54 PM

By Cari Spencer and Nicole Ki

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.

a US fire potential map

Minnesota braces for potentially severe wildfire season

March 2, 2024 8:00 AM

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.

Forest fires rage on in the distance

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

February 28, 2024 4:00 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Lukas Levin

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.

A view of downtown buildings in Minneapolis covered in haze

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

December 18, 2023 11:44 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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

A wildfire

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

September 6, 2023 4:29 PM

By MPR News Staff

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

A wildfire

Crews battle wildfire in Carlton County

September 5, 2023 8:36 AM

By MPR News Staff

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.