Red Flag Warning in effect

Posted 3/19/12 (Mon)

The National Weather Service Office in Bismarck has issued a Red Flag Warning for Monday, a High Wind Watch for Monday, and a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday. For Monday, winds possibly gusting in excess of 55 miles per hour will combine with afternoon humidity’s in the teens to create explosive fire growth potential. For Tuesday, we are expecting a west wind gusting to near 30 miles per hour (highest west and north central) with afternoon humidity’s once again ranging from the mid-teens to lower 20s. Some uncertainty still exists, so a Fire Weather Watch has been issued. Mercer County is currently under a burn ban until further notice "due to the large amounts of dry vegetation on the ground and lack of precipitation and not foreseeing any precipitation in the near future," according to Mercer County emergency manager Carmen Reed. The ban, established under North Dakota Century Code Section 37-17.1-10, prohibits burning of any kind. Individuals who willfully violate a burning ban established by a local order or proclamation are guilty of a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 30 days in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. It's the second countywide burn ban of the winter.