Fire officials respond to increased fire danger – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – Many of us enjoyed the nicer weather on Thursday, but the warmer, drier conditions also bring the risk of a fire.

Several fires were reported in southeastern Minnesota today, including a brush fire north of Rochester and a mattress fire in Stewartville that was reignited by high winds.

Related: Stewartville Fire and Rescue responds to morning mattress fire

Local weather and fire officials are warning of the risk of fires easily spreading in current weather conditions and highlighting the safest approach to outdoor fires.

“Especially on such days with strong winds, you should not burn garbage or piles of brush. Um, we had an extremely dry fall, and that's a contributing factor.” – Josh Podein, assistant fire chief, Stewartville Fire Department.

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for most of Minnesota and Iowa this evening, but will expire around 7:00 PM CDT Thursday evening.

The fire threat will be reduced on Friday, but with continued dry weather and warmer temperatures in the coming days, the risk of wildfires will likely remain in our region.