KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WNWN) – The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Red Flag Warning for several southwest Michigan counties through Thursday evening due to the dry conditions.
The counties affected until 8:00 p.m. Thursday are Mecosta, Isabella, Muskegon, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson.
Southwest winds are expected to gust up to 25 mph with relative humidity as low as 16 percent and temperatures in the upper 80s.
Forecasters say the potential exists for fires to grow out of control quickly Thursday afternoon due to warm, dry and breezy conditions. Burn restrictions are likely in effect. for more information on burn restrictions…visit the Michigan DNR website at www.michigan.gov/burnpermit or call 866-922-2876.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. The combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Be careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildfire. Camping…outdoor grills…smoking materials…chain saws…and all terrain vehicles all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire.
