A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions indicate that fires will be able to spread quickly under the predicted weather conditions. This includes warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds.
2. Which Areas Are Currently Under a Red Flag Warning?
As of October 6, 2024, all counties in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and 27 counties in western Minnesota are under a Red Flag Warning. This includes Clay, Grant, West Otter Tail, and Wilkin Counties in Minnesota, as well as Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, and Yellow Medicine Counties.
3. Why Are Red Flag Warnings Issued?
Red Flag Warnings are issued to alert residents of the high risk of wildfires. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures creates conditions where fires can spread rapidly.
4. What Actions Should You Take During a Red Flag Warning?
During a Red Flag Warning, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent wildfires. This includes not burning anything outside, ensuring that any recent burning is completely out, and discouraging campfires. The Minnesota DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning during the warning.
5. How Do You Identify a Red Flag Warning?
A Red Flag Warning is typically identified by the National Weather Service through various media channels. It is characterized by warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds, which indicate an increased risk of fire danger.
6. What Are the Impacts of a Red Flag Warning?
The impacts of a Red Flag Warning include the rapid spread of any fires that develop. Outdoor burning is not recommended, and residents should be extremely cautious with any potential fire sources to prevent wildfires.
7. How Long Do Red Flag Warnings Typically Last?
Red Flag Warnings can last anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on the weather conditions. In recent instances, warnings have been issued for specific time frames such as from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
8. What Are Some Additional Safety Tips During a Red Flag Warning?
Additional safety tips include ensuring that all burn barrels are covered with a weighted metal cover, not throwing cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle, and never leaving a fire unattended. Extinguish all outdoor fires properly by drowning them with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch.
9. Where Can You Find More Information About Red Flag Warnings?
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 Minnesota DNR website, the WisBurn website, or this link for Michigan.
