ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Last year saw multiple red-flag warnings issued for Rochester and the surrounding area by the National Weather Service (NWS). Between this year’s record-low snow amounts and unseasonably warm temperatures, it’s no surprise we’ve already had some early warnings issued in March.
The Rochester Fire Department (RFD) says it’s likely that we’ll see these warnings again in the coming spring and summer months, so it pays to be prepared.
With all of these separate fire-related warnings and watches, it’s easy to forget which one is which. Here’s what the RFD says for the Rochester area:
- Red-Flag Warning: Red-flag warnings are issued by the NWS if winds are sustained greater than 20 mph or frequent gusts above 25 mph are present. Relative humidity must also be below 25% and ground fuels must be conducive to burning. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Note: Wisconsin and Iowa have different criteria than Minnesota does for red-flag warnings.
- Fire-Weather Watches: Fire-weather watches are issued by the NWS when conditions are conducive to burning but do not quite meet red-flag warning criteria. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
- Burn Bans INSIDE Rochester: Open burning is always prohibited within Rochester city limits unless a permit has been issued by the City. Any burn bans within the city must come from the RFD and the Fire Marshal’s Division. Recreational fires are always allowed, unless specifically banned by the RFD. However, RFD asks residents to use caution and follow NWS recommendations during red-flag warnings.
- Burn Bans OUTSIDE Rochester: “No Open Burning” restrictions are issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and pertain to burning (including those with DNR permits) in Olmsted County, but do NOT include Rochester.
The RFD and Rochester Emergency Management routinely monitor the alerts, watches, and restrictions from the NWS and DNR and make determinations on whether further action is required to limit burning within city limits. For more information on recreational fires in Rochester, click here. For more information on open burning in Rochester, click here.
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