Photo by Chad Koenen
Members of the Deer Creek, Henning and Wadena Fire Departments battled a large grass fire just east of Deer Creek on Friday afternoon. The fire destroyed approximately 700 acres of land, but there were no injuries or structures destroyed by the fire. The fire sent a large amount of smoke in the sky that could be seend from Highway 10 near New York Mills.

Otter Tail County remains in a burning restriction

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Approximately 700 acres of land burned in a Friday afternoon fire just east of Deer Creek. Extremely dry conditions and strong winds made the fire spread quickly across the farm land and trees in the area. The fire was east of Highway 29 and south of County Road 50.

Deer Creek Fire Department Fire Chief Travis Collins said no structures were involved in the fire and there no injuries were reported. 

As of Monday morning, Otter Tail County remains in a Red Flag Warning. A Red Flag Warning means the impacted area is “experiencing critical weather conditions that are ideal for wildfire, including strong winds and low humidity,” according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Residents are ordered to refrain from burning while a Red Flag Warning remains in effect, and asked to check any burning done recently to ensure the fire is out. 

Assisting in the large fire were the Henning Fire Department and Wadena Fire Department.