MINNEAPOLIS — It's been a dry and windy few months in Minnesota and this weekend looks like it won't be any different.
On Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning starting at 1 p.m. and lasting through 7 p.m. reaching from the state's western border into west central and southwestern Minnesota.
Strong winds and low humidity in the forecast means officials are concerned about fires spreading quickly and getting out of control.
Counties affected by extreme fire risk conditions include:
- Becker
- Big Stone
- Brown
- Chippewa
- Clay
- Cottonwood
- Douglas
- Grant
- Jackson
- Kandiyohi
- Kittson
- Lac Qui Parle
- Lincoln
- Lyon
- Marshall
- Martin
- Murray
- Nobles
- Norman
- Pipestone
- Polk
- Pope
- Redwood
- Renville
- Rock
- Stevens
- Swift
- Traverse
- Wadena
- Watonwan
- Wilkin
- Yellow Medicine
During a red Flag Warning, the Department of Natural Resources will not activate any open burning permits, and campfires are discouraged. Officials urge anyone aware of a recent burn to make sure the fire is completely out.
"Fine fuels, such as grass and small twigs, can dry out quickly when it's warm and the relative humidity is low," said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “These fine fuels can easily ignite and start a wildfire that spreads quickly in windy conditions”.
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