Weather service issues red flag warning Friday in 26 MN counties

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for 26 counties in parts of central and northwest Minnesota effective 1-6 p.m. Friday, May 8, due to extreme fire risk conditions.

Affected counties include Becker, Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Clay, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena and Wilkin.

A red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low relative humidity. The weather service in Duluth reported in its forecast that west winds of 10-20 mph are expected with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity is expected to be as low as 18%.

Near-critical fire weather conditions are forecast across much of the rest of Northern Minnesota.

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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning and discourages campfires during the red flag warning.

People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking all-terrain vehicles on gravel or pavement and using chain saws or other equipment outside of the red flag warning hours.

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 fire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.