ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired on May 6, 2021.
While many are embracing our blast of summer-like weather in the wake of a miserable spring, there is a downside to the dramatic change.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of southern Minnesota Wednesday due to extreme fire risk conditions. The forecast calls for warm temps, high winds and low humidity, which can fuel wildfires and quickly push them out of control.
In Dodge, Filmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona Counties, the Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. For those in Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson and Martin Counties, the warning runs from 1 to 8 p.m.
Residents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect, and should check any recent burning they may have done to ensure the fire and remaining ashes or embers are completely out. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will not issue or activate open burning permits during a Red Flag Warning, and campfires are highly discouraged.
“Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions,” warns Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.
Conditions that trigger Red Flag warnings are dynamic and evolve quickly. For daily updates on current fire risks across the state and open burning restrictions, visit a dedicated page on the DNR website.
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