Fargo, North Dakota – A surge of dry air and powerful southwest winds will create dangerous fire conditions across southeast North Dakota and neighboring western Minnesota Saturday, prompting the region’s first Red Flag Warning of the season.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, the warning runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday for Richland and Sargent counties in North Dakota along with nearby counties in western Minnesota. Winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph with gusts reaching 40 mph, while relative humidity drops to around 22 percent during peak afternoon heating.
These conditions allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly through dormant grasses. Areas around Fargo, Wahpeton, Breckenridge, Fergus Falls, and Wadena face the highest potential for fast-moving grass fires.
Emergency managers advise residents to avoid burning yard debris, delay campfires, and properly secure trailer chains that could throw sparks along roadways. Agricultural equipment operating in fields may also pose a fire risk if dry vegetation contacts hot machinery.
Drivers along Interstate 29 and Highway 75 should watch for smoke or grass fires near roadways, which could quickly affect visibility.
The fire threat should ease Saturday evening as winds decrease, though officials warn additional alerts may be issued if dry and breezy conditions persist into early next week.
