Two small brush fires were reported at Apple Valley Transit Station, Red Flag Warnings continue until 8 PM this evening
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - Around 4:20 PM on April 13, 2023, a call came into the Dakota County Dispatch for two small brush fires outside the Minnesota Valley Transportation Station in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The fires were located just outside the buildings in the mulch on the northbound Cedar Ave side of the road. Due to the proximity of the fires to the building, they were considered a threat to the structures, and a number of fire personnel were called to the scene including the Apple Valley Fire Department Fire Marshall. The fires were able to be quickly put out by Apple Valley Fire Department personnel, with no extension occurring to the transit building.
A Red Flag Warning does remain in effect for the Twin Cities area until 8 PM this evening due to the dry, warm conditions and strong winds. You can find more on the Red Flag Warning below.
From the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities:
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE COMBINATION OF LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES AND BREEZY WINDS ACROSS SOUTHERN AND EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA.
* WIND: South to between 15 and 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph.
* HUMIDITY: Dropping in the afternoon to around 20 percent.
* IMPACTS: Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
