article

The NWS Red Flag Warning map for October 16, 2024. (Provided)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – A red flag warning was issued Wednesday for parts of southwest and west-central Minnesota due to extreme fire danger.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for 27 counties due to “extreme fire danger.” The alert says very dry conditions, lower humidity and stronger winds are creating “red flag fire weather conditions” for part of Wednesday.

Which departments are concerned?

The warning is in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in 27 counties. These counties include Big Stone, Brown, Chippewa, Clay, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Otter Tail, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Stevens . , Swift, Traverse, Watonwan, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine.

What is a red flag warning?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said a red flag warning means “fires can spread quickly and easily become out of control under expected weather conditions, including gusty winds and low relative humidity.” Do not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and check any recent fires to ensure the fire is completely extinguished. »

When a Red Flag Warning has been issued, the DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits, and campfires are discouraged.

Fire Hazard and Burning Restrictions

Much of Minnesota is at “very high” fire risk, meaning fires can start easily and spread at a very rapid rate. Parts of southeast and northwest Minnesota are at “high fire risk,” while northern Minnesota is at “moderate” fire risk, according to the DNR website.

Meanwhile, much of the state has some sort of burning restrictions in place. Parts of northeastern Minnesota have elevated burning restrictions, meaning no open burning is permitted and additional restrictions are necessary based on current fire danger.

For more information on current fire danger and statewide burning restrictions, visit the Minnesota DNR website.