BROWN COUNTY — The Brown County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are investigating the high number fires reported in Brown County between March 1 and April 22.

After responding to 16 fire calls in the seven-week period, the BCSO is asking for anyone with information about the fires to contact the sheriff’s office.

“During the past two months, the sheriff’s office and Brown County fire departments have responded to an unusual number of wildfires on or near CRP (Conservation Reserve Program), wildlife management areas (WMAs), and other naturally vegetated land. Several of these fires appear to be suspicious,” read a sheriff’s office press release.

There does not appear to be a specific pattern regarding the fires, however, five of the 16 fires were in Mulligan Township, between Comfrey and State Highway 4, the release continued.

“Anybody seeing anything suspicious like an unusual individual or vehicle or any information regarding the fires is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 507-233-6700. The sooner the better,” said Brown County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Andrew Konechne.

He added that all the recent fires including a Saturday, April 20 grass fire several miles north of Comfrey are under investigation due to the high number of recent fires.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl confirmed Wednesday that the fires are being investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The sheriff’s office responded to one fire call over the same seven-week period in 2023 and two fire calls during the same period in 2022.

The DNR reported Wednesday that all of southern Minnesota and much of the state is in high fire danger.

For more information, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html