Hunters urged to use caution with campfires this weekend

At the start of the firearms deer season, fire conditions vary throughout Minnesota. 

According to the National Weather Service, there is a fire weather watch in effect for most of Northeastern Minnesota. South winds gusting up to 30 mph are expected as is low humidity.

There will be critical fire conditions in the southwest and northwest parts of the state in the afternoon with winds from 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. 

Ron Stoffel, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Wildfire Suppression Supervisor in Grand Rapids, said grasses dry out very quickly after the first killing frost.  When humidity is low and wind increases, fire danger increases also. 

Right now, the DNR allows burning brush or debris. Campfires are allowed if they are kept to three feet in diameter and three feet tall and are attended at all times.