Critical Fire Conditions Prompt Red Flag Warning Across Michigan

We are finally getting nice spring weather in Michigan, but it is also coming with some potentially dangerous circumstances. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for all of lower Michigan in effect from 8:00am until 8:00pm Tuesday.

The NWS says "critical fire weather conditions" are taking place across the region. A combination of strong winds, low humidity and higher temperatures are increasing the risk for fires to start and spread quickly. Southwest winds are expected to increase to 15 to 25 mph sustained with gusts up to 25 mph Tuesday as temperatures approach 80 degrees for a high in many parts of the state.

Michigan DNR officials are asking residents to be mindful with any fire related activities such as campfires, outdoor grilling, chain saws or any all-terrain vehicles that could throw a spark. In these conditions, it would not take much to produce a quick spreading and destructive wildfire. Any outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during the warning period. Rain showers are expected later in the week and should help ease the dry conditions.