Fargo, North Dakota – 40 mph wind gusts are accelerating wildfire spread through 7 p.m. Saturday, as humidity drops near 20% and creates critical fire conditions across southeastern North Dakota and west-central Minnesota. Dry grasses and strong southwest winds are allowing fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly across open areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. Saturday for southeastern North Dakota, including areas near Fargo, Wahpeton, and Valley City, as well as neighboring counties in west-central Minnesota. Sustained southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with relative humidity between 20% and 25%, are creating dangerous fire weather conditions.
The highest risk is along the Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 corridors, where dry roadside vegetation and agricultural land can fuel fast-moving grassfires. Communities including Fargo, West Fargo, and Wahpeton could see rapid fire spread with little warning, especially during peak afternoon heating.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and properly dispose of cigarettes. Any spark could quickly grow out of control under these conditions, and fire crews may face difficult containment due to strong winds.
Critical fire weather conditions will continue through early evening before winds weaken after sunset. Additional fire risk may persist if dry and breezy conditions continue into Sunday.
