North Shore nearing critical fire weather conditions

The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued a Red Flag Warning regarding fire conditions for Friday afternoon due to gusty northwest winds and low relative humidity.

Dangerous fire weather conditions are possible because of winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour, with some gusts up to 25 miles per hour with low humidity values. Temperatures will likely be in the upper 60s and lower 70s.

Any fires which develop may spread quickly through dry vegetation and quickly grow out of control.

Burn permits are no longer being issued and the northland is now under a “red flag warning” for fire danger.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office reminds people, “Be smart, be responsible and understand the impacts your actions could have.”

Anyone who suspects a fire is asked to contact Cook County Law Enforcement dispatch at 218-387-3030 or 9-1-1. The law enforcement center will contact the appropriate agencies.

In the audio shared below, Patty Johnson, the east fire management officer for the Superior National Forest, stopped by WTIP and spoke with Sherrie Lindskog about the current fire dangers in the North Shore region.