The extreme drought up north has led to the most dangerous fire season in decades.
Nearly 20% of Minnesota is classified in the extreme drought category. The conditions have helped to spark more than 1,500 wildfires since March, charring more than 34,000 acres.
WCCO went behind the fire fight as emergency crews issue a dire warning for residents and summer visitors.
From his office in Bemidji, Department of Natural Resources Forester Ben Lang offered a bleak picture of the conditions.
“I’ve been in Minnesota for 15 years and this is by far the driest I’ve ever seen it,” Lang said.
Lang still puts what’s known as probability emissions at 70 to 90%.
“If 100 embers hit the ground 70 to 90% of them will cause a fire,” Lang said.