Dry conditions spark multiple grass fires, close I-35 ramp in Duluth

Dry grass and strong afternoon winds pushed Duluth into a fast-moving fire response Friday, as multiple grassland fires broke out within hours of each other and one near Interstate 35 forced a ramp closure and slowed traffic in the middle of the city.

Fire crews from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Duluth Fire Department were sent to a fire along I-35 at 26th Avenue West, near WLSSD and railroad tracks, just before 4 p.m. Smoke and flames were visible from the WDIO TowerCam, and a photographer at the scene saw multiple fire trucks and personnel working the blaze. The 27th Avenue ramp onto I-35 was closed while crews attacked the fire, and northbound traffic was reduced to one lane.

Another fire was reported near the Sofidel plant around 3:45 p.m., and additional smaller vegetation fires were reported elsewhere in the city. The two larger fires each burned a couple of acres. Crews from downtown Duluth headquarters, Lincoln Park, Spirit Valley, Gary/Morgan Park and Duluth Heights all helped with the response, showing how quickly a cluster of grass fires can stretch city resources on a dry spring afternoon.

The weather setup matched the danger. The National Weather Service in Duluth issued a Special Weather Statement Friday warning of near-critical fire weather conditions across parts of north central and northeast Minnesota, including Duluth. The agency said west-to-northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, and relative humidity as low as 15% to 25% could lead to rapid fire spread. In its morning forecast discussion, the weather service said critical to near-critical fire weather conditions were expected for the next several days.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had already expanded spring burning restrictions into northern Minnesota on April 20 because of warm, dry conditions. The agency says the period after snowmelt and before vegetation greens up is one of the most dangerous times for wildfire in Minnesota, when last season’s grass can ignite fast and carry flames across open ground.

Duluth Assistant Chief Brent Consie said dry, dead grass from last season makes early spring especially dangerous for wildland and grass fires, and urged people not to toss cigarettes from vehicles and to report smoke immediately. The cause of Friday’s fires was still unknown, but the afternoon response underscored how quickly a few acres of burning grass can turn into a traffic problem, a neighborhood threat and a citywide firefight.