Elevated Fire Danger Today in Central Minnesota Due to Strong Winds and Low Humidity

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for central Minnesota surrounding elevated fire weather conditions on Wednesday.

Warm south to southeast winds sustained at 15 to 20 miles an hour will occasionally gust to 30 miles an hour this afternoon. When combined with the low relative humidity of 25 to 30%, forecasters say any fires that do develop could spread quickly.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says no open burning is allowed in the southern third of the state, but campfires are permitted. Burning is restricted in the area covering the Twin Cities and the tri-county area, but those with agency approved permits are allowed. The fire danger Wednesday for the area is very high, where fires can start easily and spread rapidly.

DNR Conservation Officer Mike Martin explained to KNSI News what’s also fueling the flames is “these high winds recently. Anything that was damp got dried out pretty significantly.”

A red flag warning has been posted for western Minnesota. Relative humidity is expected to be in the teens, and wind gusts around 50 miles an hour are possible.

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