First Red Flag Warning issued for 2026
Wildfire dangers increased with dry and winding conditions
Warm, dry and windy weather has combined to raise the wildfire danger for western Minnesota. Those conditions have resulted in Red Flag Warnings and burning restrictions.
“The combination of warmer temperatures near 60, very low relative humidity values between 15% to 20%, southwest winds gusting from 35 to 45 mph, and dry fuels will lead to critical fire weather conditions across central and southern Minnesota Saturday,” the NWS said as last weekend approached.
“Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” it said.
Among the counties under the Red Flag Warning were Stevens, Pope, Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi and Douglas.
The DNR will not issue permits for open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted...Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change. For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide wildfire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions).
Snowfall is in the forecast for Wednesday night through Friday, which could lessen the fire danger and bring needed moisture to the soil.
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