Milan wildfire could hint to risks ahead

Getting a taste of what may be ahead, firefighters Monday battled a wildfire which destroyed several buildings near Milan in southwest Minnesota.

With moderate to severe drought conditions covering most of the state, fire dangers are elevated as warm weather returns.

Milan Fire Chief Ted Ziemann said Monday's fire burned about 20 acres and destroyed a vacant house, a music studio, two greenhouses and other property. Strong winds pushed the blaze quickly across the farmland, he said.

"Anybody doing anything with burning, please be careful," Zieman said. "Because it can get away very quickly right now."

Recent rains have reduced the fire danger across the state, but Zieman said a day or so of warm weather and strong winds will increase risks again. The Minnesota DNR said a small portion of east central Minnesota and most of the northwest part of the state are in the moderate- to-high fire danger category.