The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for three counties in southwest Minnesota, effective today, February 18, from 10 am until 6 pm, due to extreme fire risk conditions.
Affected counties include Jackson, Nobles, and Rock.
A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including high winds, strong wind gusts, and low relative humidity. Residents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should check any recent burning they might have done to ensure the fire is completely out. The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning during the Red Flag Warning, and campfires are discouraged.
“Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.
Red Flag Warnings are evolving situations. Visit the National Weather Service for updates.
For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website. To receive text updates on current wildfire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.