Red Flag Warning issued for extreme fire risk

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 18 counties in southwest and west central Minnesota effective Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 due to extreme fire danger.

Effective 11:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m., affected counties include Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock.

Effective 1:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m., affected counties include Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Redwood, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, and Yellow Medicine.

Effective 1:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m., affected counties include Clay, Grant, West Otter Tail and Wilkin.

A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and easily progress out of control under the forecasted weather conditions, including gusty winds and low humidity. Do not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and check any recent burning to ensure the coals are completely out cold.

The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits during the Red Flag Warning, and campfires are discouraged.

Additionally, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Cottonwood and Jackson counties in south central Minnesota where windy conditions and low humidity are predicted to produce near-critical fire weather conditions. Outdoor burning is discouraged. Fire Weather Watches are evolving situations and could quickly progress to Red Flag conditions. Visit the National Weather Service for updates.

For more information and daily updates visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website. To receive email updates on current wildfire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.

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