Several wildfires broke out over a three-hour period, causing damage to vehicles, trailers, barn structures, and other items. The first fire ignited around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, in Turtle River Township, about 12 miles north of Bemidji. Upon arrival, firefighters found a barn-type structure and multiple vehicles ablaze, with nearby homes also threatened. Thirty-six firefighters battled the blaze for three hours, resulting in the barn’s total loss. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire is believed to be accidental.
As crews worked to contain the first fire, another wildland fire was reported around 4:30 p.m. on Elliot Road in Frohn Township. This fire had spread to multiple items, including a trailer and temporary structure. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames within an hour, but several items were declared total losses. Again, no injuries were reported, and the fire is believed to be accidental. Both incidents were attended by the Bemidji Fire Department, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.