The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued red flag warnings and fire weather watches for ten states in the region.

Five states – Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska – are under red flag warnings, indicating extreme fire danger. Seven other states – Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois – are under fire weather watches. These alerts come as many of these states are experiencing varying degrees of drought.

The combination of above-average temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds has created ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. The NWS has warned that unharvested agricultural fields are particularly vulnerable to fire.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take precautions to prevent wildfires, such as avoiding outdoor burning, properly disposing of cigarettes, securing truck and trailer chains, and avoiding using equipment that could spark.

As the dry weather persists and temperatures continue to rise, the risk of wildfires remains high. The NWS is closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to keep the public informed. (ILKHA)