NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — The fire danger is extremely high across much of Western North Dakota this week as the National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for many counties in southwest and south Central North Dakota.

Winds that had helped to clear out much of the smoke that had been hovering over the state the past few days have now elevated the fire danger, drying out vegetation along with relatively low humidity.

The continued dry conditions are not helping the southwest corner of the state, where some areas have been experiencing a drought for most of the summer.

Mandan Rural Fire Department Fire Chief, Lynn Gustin, says that farmers need to closely monitor their activity while out in the fields. He says it just takes one spark from a combine to ignite a fire that can spread rapidly.

“Fire can move fast, especially through stubble fields. It just all depends what the topography is and what types of fuels are available,” explained Gustin.

Gustin says that once a fire is sparked, it can spread quickly from high winds and very dry vegetation.

“When you get something like this, we can’t get ahead of it. It’s dangerous,” said Gustin.

There are burn restrictions for much of the area due to the red flag warnings issued. No burning of any kind is allowed, including the use of burn barrels, campfires, bonfires, or controlled burns.

He advises farmers to be extra cautious as overheated farm equipment or hitting a rock with a piece of machinery has the potential of sparking a fire. He also reminds people to not throw cigarettes on dry vegetation.

Drivers need to secure their trailer safety chains, to ensure they are not dragging across the black top, which can cause sparks that could start a potential fire.

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