Breezy, dry weather causes elevated fire conditions across much of MN

Update: This story was updated to include the red flag warning issued Monday morning.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning Monday morning, Nov. 3, for Aitkin, Carlton, Pine and St. Louis counties.

The warning is effective 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected to develop across much of Minnesota on Monday afternoon with the combination of breezy winds and dry conditions.

A red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the current weather conditions, including high wind gust and low relative humidity.

"Residents should not burn in those 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stated in a news release.

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

Westerly winds are expected to sustain between 15 mph and 20 mph, with gusts up to 25-30 mph later in the day. Relative humidity is forecast to drop to 25-30% in the afternoon.

"These conditions will work together to support elevated potential for rapid fire spread," according to the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks.

Check burning restrictions and fire danger near you before burning. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, most of Cass and all of Crow Wing counties are experiencing high fire danger Monday. Fire permits there are restricted to agency approved permits only. Cook and Lake counties also have restrictions on fire permits.