Fire Warnings Posted for Much of Southern Minnesota, Including Apple Valley

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

Red flag fire warnings have been posted for much of southern Minnesota this week, including Apple Valley and the rest of Dakota County, prompting burning restrictions across the area.

Dakota County is currently rated at a "high" fire danger warning. This means fires start easily and spread at a fast rate, according to the DNR; fire that escapes its confines could become serious and difficult to control unless they are hit hard and fast while small.

The National Weather Service posts red flag warnings when weather conditions create a high risk for fires. These warnings could be in place for a number of days until conditions change, according to Tom Romaine, fire supervisor south for the DNR.

“Unusually high temps and low humidity, combined with increasing winds are creating potentially dangerous fire conditions across much of our region,” Romaine said.

Many counties have put burning restrictions in place, and some have banned recreational fires. Dakota County has not restricted burning, but a burning permit is required.

“Even if restrictions have not been posted in your county, great care should be taken with any outdoor fire right now,” Romaine said.

The potential for crop field fires is also high right now.

More information can be found on the DNR website.