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Red Flag conditions raise fire concerns for part of southwestern Minnesota

The DNR says the forecast, which includes warm temps, strong winds and low humidity, will create an extreme risk of wildfires in several counties.

MARSHALL, Minn. — A warm, windy Monday will be pleasant for residents of southwestern Minnesota, but fire crews may be a big on edge after the National Weather Service (NWS) declared a Red Flag Warning for several counties. 

Red Flag conditions indicate wildfires can spread quickly and get out of control under predicted weather conditions. NWS meteorologists are predicting warm temps, strong winds and low relative humidity for Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock Counties. The warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. through 7 p.m. 

“When fire risk is this high it’s important to be careful with anything could spark a wildfire,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.

Residents of the impacted counties should not burn, and are urged to monitor recent burns for hot spots that could flare up. The DNR will not issue or activate burning permits during the Red Flag Warning, and campfires are strongly discouraged. 

The DNR warns that Red Flag Warnings can expand as conditions change, so residents in counties bordering the impacted areas should monitor the situation should their county be added to the warning. 

For more on current fire risks across Minnesota and burning conditions in effect, log on to the DNR website

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