Dangerous Fire Conditions Across Rice County and Southern Minnesota This Week

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

Rice County is currently rated at a "very high" fire danger warning. This means fires start very easily and spread at a very fast rate, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

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.

In the past 24 hours, many counties have put burning restrictions in place and some have banned recreational fires. It is important to for people to check with their county to see what restrictions exist.

Rice County has not restricted burning, but a 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.

“The low moisture content in corn and soybean fields creates a heightened fire danger,” Romaine said. “It is more important than ever for farmers to keep machinery clean, make sure guards are in place and carry a fire extinguisher.”

More information can be found at DNR website.

Editor's note: This is a press release from the DNR.