Red Flag Warning issued for 29 counties

\The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 29 counties in parts of northwest, west central, and southwest Minnesota effective today, April 23, due to extreme fire risk conditions. 

Affected counties include Becker, Big Stone, Chippewa, Clay, Clearwater, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Roseau, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine.

A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including low relative humidity and strong winds. 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. People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws or other equipment outside of the Red Flag warning hours.

Some recent wildfires have been from winter debris burns rekindling in these dry, windy conditions. Check for lingering heat in:

If you find heat, drown with water, stir, and repeat until it's out COLD.