RED FLAG WARNINGS IN EFFECT

Red Flag warnings have been issued for 80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties due to extreme fire risk conditions.  A Red Flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under current and predicted weather conditions including low relative humidity and strong, gusty winds.  DNR wildfire officials say then the fire risk is this high, any spark could become a wildfire.  Officials say there were several wildfires burning in Minnesota including one near Highway 167 in Yellow Medicine County.  The fire was measured at 146 acres and no injuries were reported but several hunting stands, power poles and fence posts were burned.   Granite Falls fire officials say over a dozen agencies were called just before 2:30 pm including 23 grass rigs, two helicopters and dozens of tankers and engines had to be brought in.  No foul play is suspected but the cause is still being investigated.