Smoke drift from NW Minnesota fires being reported across northern Minnesota

Northern Minnesota residents may notice smoke in the sky as it drifts from active Northwestern Minnesota fires. Residents in the Bemidji, Deer River and Grand Rapids areas have reported seeing smoke in the sky. Smoke is being carried by strong winds out of the northwest and are being held close to the ground by inversion. The inversion is expected to lift by mid-day, but residents across northern Minnesota may continue to see some smoke until fires are extinguished.

Fire danger remains extreme to very high for much of Minnesota and residents are urged to obey all fire restrictions. Persons who witness an actual fire should reported it immediately by calling 911.

For more information about current restrictions, please visit the Minnesota DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html