Red Flag Warning issued

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several counties in Southwest Minnesota due to extreme fire risk conditions.

Affected counties include:

Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock

A Red Flag Warning means the area is experiencing weather conditions that are ideal for wildfire, including strong winds, warm temperatures and minimal humidity levels. Residents should not burn in those counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should check any recent burning to ensure the fire is completely out.

“Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions,” said Allissa Reynolds, DNR wildfire prevention supervisor.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect today from noon to 7:00 p.m.

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 (mndnr.gov/BurnRestrictions).