The National Weather Service in Des Moines, Iowa, has issued a fire weather warning for October 13 due to a combination of factors that significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Strong northwest winds of 20 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts potentially higher. Additionally, the air’s relative humidity will drop below 30%, creating extremely dry conditions.
The danger is further heightened by the presence of very dry crops and cured grasses across the region. Under these conditions, any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and may be difficult to control. Residents are urged to avoid any open burning today. Avoid brush and grass burning, especially in unharvested fields, as embers can quickly ignite flammable material.
Extra caution should be taken if you are using heavy equipment, as sparks from machinery could also ignite dry vegetation. Additionally, residents are reminded not to discard cigarettes carelessly, as this could trigger fast-spreading fires.
With such high fire danger, it is critical to stay alert and take all necessary precautions to prevent any accidental ignitions. For more information, visit the National Weather Service website.
