Dry conditions lead to another red flag warning with a high risk of wildfire in Minnesota

27 counties in southwestern and west central Minnesota are under a red flag warning Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued the warning due to high winds and low humidity.

DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist Karen Harrison says September's warm weather has led to a greater potential for wildfires across the state.

"If we have weather conditions like we're seeing today where we have really high wind speeds and low relative humidity, it means wildfires can start really quickly and they can spread fast across the landscape," says Harrison.

Harrison says dried vegetation, falling leaves and frost that kills grass all become fuel for a wildfire.

Despite all the rain over the summer, the state experienced one of the warmest and driest September's on record.

"In conditions like this, where we're seeing like really high winds, embers can get carried over a mile away," Harrison explains. "So even though you might think around the fire pit looks fine, those embers can travel and start a wildfire in an adjacent, you know, field or dry grass.

Harrison says it's important to be vigilant with anything that can cause a spark. There is currently no prediction of widespread rain in the forecast for most of Minnesota.

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA

* AFFECTED AREA...Locations along and west of a line from Fairmont, to Willmar and Alexandria.
* WIND...South-southwest 15 to 25 mph gusting to 30 to 35 mph.
* HUMIDITY...15 to 20 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.