Red flag warning issued for SW Minnesota amid wildfire risk

Officials are warning that southwest Minnesota is at high risk of wildfires on Wednesday.

According to a red flag warning issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, gusty winds and minimal humidity values are combining for "critical weather conditions" conducive to a wildfire. The department advises residents not to burn while the warning is in effect and to check recent burns to make sure the fire is completely out.

"Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions," the warning states.

The red flag warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday for the following counties: Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine.