The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for 31 counties in Minnesota through 8 p.m. today due to the extreme risk of wildfire.
The warning includes much of Southwest Minnesota, including Cottonwood, Jackson, Brown and Watonwan counties.
A red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and easily progress out of control under current weather conditions, which include warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
Residents should not burn in counties where a red flag warning is in effect and should check any recent burning to ensure the fire is completely extinguished. The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits during the warning and campfires are highly discouraged.
