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A red flag warning has been issued for areas in western Minnesota

The NWS Red Flag Warning Map on October 16, 2024. (included)

A red flag warning was issued Wednesday in parts of southwestern and west-central Minnesota due to an extreme fire danger.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for 27 counties due to the “extreme fire danger.” The warning states that very dry conditions, lower humidity and stronger winds will produce “red flag fire conditions” for part of Wednesday.

Which provinces are affected?

The warning applies from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in 27 provinces. Those 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 that “fires could spread quickly and easily get out of control under forecast weather conditions, including gusty winds and low relative humidity. Do not burn in provinces with a red flag.” A warning is in effect and please check any recent fires to ensure the fire is completely out.”

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 combustion restrictions

Much of Minnesota is at “very high” risk of fire danger, meaning fires can start easily and spread very quickly. Parts of southeastern and northwestern 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 implemented some form of burning restrictions. Parts of northeastern Minnesota have increased burning restrictions, meaning open burning is not allowed and additional restrictions as needed based on current fire danger.

Visit the Minnesota DNR website for more information on current fire danger and statewide fire restrictions.

The Minnesota DNR Fire Hazard Map as of October 16, 2024.

From: Delivered