Red Flag Warning for areas of western and central Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A red flag warning was issued Monday for parts of western and central Minnesota due to the very high fire danger.

The National Weather Service issued an “extreme fire danger” warning for 39 counties. A cold front is expected to sweep across the region, increasing winds while significantly lowering dew points. Therefore, burning outdoors is not recommended as any fires that occur are likely to spread quickly.

Which districts are affected?

The red flag warning covers dozens of counties in central, northeast, northwest and southwest Minnesota. From this point on, the warning comes into effect.

• From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for counties including Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Clearwater, Grant, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, Wadena and Wilkin.
• From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for counties including Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca.
• From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for counties including Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Lac Qui Parle, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Pope, Traverse, Todd, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Renville, Redwood and Yellow Medicine.
• From 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for counties including Lincoln, Lyons, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock.

The National Weather Service issued an advisory on September 30th. (Included)

What is a Red Flag Warning?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said a red flag warning means that “fires can spread quickly and easily grow out of control under forecast 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 out.

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

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