National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

The combination of strong west winds and low humidity made conditions ideal for wildfires again today. As a result, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for parts of southern Minnesota into the evening hours.

Do not do any burning today.  Consider choosing a day later this week that will have safer conditions.

Here are a few fire related safety rules:

1. If you see a fire, contact your local law enforcement and fire department immediately.
2. Do not toss cigarettes or matches from a car window, farm vehicle, or off-road vehicle (ORV).  This can ignite leaves or grass leading to a wildfire. Never grind a cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco out on a stump or log.
3. Keep engines used outdoors properly tuned. Such engines must also have a properly functioning spark arrestor. Poorly tuned engines without spark arresting mufflers can emit carbon sparks, causing a wildfire.
4. Be careful with matches. Keep all matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children. In only 10% of the child-caused fires do children have to work to obtain matches or a lighter.
5. Be careful using farm or Earth moving equipment that could generate a spark accidently.  This is a common ignition source as well. 
6. Do not burn trash in these conditions.  Embers or flames can easily spread into nearby dry grass OR buildings.