The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for coun for Wednesday April 22, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., due to extreme fire risk conditions resulting from relative humidity dropping around 20% and winds gusting up to 35-45 mph.
Affected counties include Becker, Big Stone, Chippewa, Clay, Clearwater, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Roseau, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine.
A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted conditions, including strong winds and low relative 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. People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws or other equipment outside of the Red Flag warning hours. Visit the National Weather Service (weather.gov) for updates.