Politics & Government

Fire Danger Remains 'Very High' in Dakota County

Forecasted gusty winds and low humidity over the weekend have officials on alert and urging residents to be cautious when grilling or enjoying campfires.

Gusty winds and extremely dry conditions have prompted the Minnesota DNR to elevate fire danger classifications for much of Minnesota. Apple Valley and Dakota County remain in a 'very high' rating. But about half the state has been placed in the 'extreme' category.

No burning permits are being issued in Apple Valley and Dakota County at the current time and other burning restrictions have not yet been implemented.

Wednesday's near Flint Hills created a towering plume of smoke that could be seen for miles, however the Minnesota DNR was monitoring that fire closely and winds were calm.

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

From the Minnesota DNR:

The fire danger rating issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shows high to extreme fire danger for today and the weekend in Minnesota due to low humidity and high winds.

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The National Weather Service Fire Weather Forecast has issued a red flag fire warning for west central Minnesota from 1 pm to 8 pm this evening.  Winds will be from the southeast at 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph with relative humidity as low as 20 to 25 percent.  Weather conditions along with dry fuels will create dangerous fire weather conditions. 

Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) agencies are making additional fire fighting resources available for today and the weekend.

Fire danger, according to the DNR is extreme in the western half of the state. In addition, most of the rest of the state is in high or very high fire danger status. 

An extreme fire danger rating means the fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires under extreme conditions start quickly, spread rapidly, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high-intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high danger. Direct attack is rarely possible, and may be dangerous, except immediately after ignition. Fires burning in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions, the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens.

Burning is restricted and no variance permits will be issued today in most of the state.  While campfires are allowed, please use caution so they do not escape.  Clear an area around the campfire, attend it at all times and make sure it is cold to the touch before leaving it.

Minnesota DNR fire danger classifications:

Very High

Fires start very easily and spread at a very fast rate. Fires start easily from all causes, spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in heavy fuels may quickly develop high-intensity characteristics, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds. Direct attack at the head of such fires is rarely possible after they have been burning more than a few minutes.

Extreme

The fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires under extreme conditions start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high-intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high danger class (item 4). Direct attack is rarely possible, and may be dangerous, except immediately after ignition. Fires burning in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions, the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens.


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