Iowans are advised to use extra caution today (Thursday) to avoid sparking a fire, as high winds and abundant fuel could lead to wildfires. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning for all of western Iowa, effective from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., unless extended. According to NWS meteorologists, wind gusts could exceed 60 mph by evening, and relative humidity below 30 percent could create a significant risk of a fire, intentionally set or not, to escape confinement and spread quickly. As of Thursday morning, Crawford and Guthrie counties have formal burn bans in place, but outside areas with active burn bans are still encouraged to postpone any planned burns until conditions are more favorable.
