GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Red flag warnings are common this time of year after the snow melts, but before the humidity and fully green landscape of summer move in.
Wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly.
The two ingredients for the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning involve winds and humidity levels.
First, winds must be sustained at 20 mph or frequently gusting to at least 25 mph.
Second, minimum relative humidity values must be expected at 25% or lower.
When it comes to wildfires in Minnesota specifically, 90% are caused by humans.
And the number 1 cause is escaped debris fires.