The Newton Fire Department warns residents about extreme fire conditions today (October 13). A combination of low humidity and gusty winds has created an extreme fire danger across most of Iowa. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook and a Red Flag Warning for the area from noon until 8 P.M. this evening.
- AFFECTED AREA...Portions of western and central Iowa.
- WIND...Northwest around 25 mph with gusts over 40 mph.
- RELATIVE HUMIDITY...17 to 25 percent.
- IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Crop debris will help promote rapid fire growth should fires develop in agricultural areas.
The Newton Fire Department urges residents of Newton and Jasper County to not burn today. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
