Red Flag Warning for Parts of Southwest and West Central MN

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several counties in portions of southwest and west central Minnesota, effective today (Thursday, April 16), from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. due to extreme fire risk conditions.

Affected counties include Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, and Yellow Medicine.

A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity levels.

Residents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should also check any recent burning they did to ensure the fire is completely out.

The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning and discourages campfires during the Red Flag Warning.