Red flag warnings up for fire danger

Authorities have issued a red flag warning for fire danger in the western two-thirds of the state.

Low humidity and windy conditions are driving the warnings, especially in the northwest and west-central part of Minnesota.

Jean Goad, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, said the state saw about 120 fires in September compared with an average of just 30, and the worst might not be over.

"Unfortunately, October is the month where we see most of the fires on an average year. So unless we get a lot of precipitation over the next few weeks, that fire danger is probably going to remain high," Goad said.

Northwestern Minnesota saw several fire starts over the weekend. Crews are dousing fires from the air to make sure they don't spread.

In northwestern and central Minnesota, campfires are only allowed in campgrounds, resorts and homes. Authorities are asking people to make sure campfires are out completely before leaving the area.