(4/22/2019) - Officials are urging extreme caution or asking people to totally avoid burning outdoors Monday with a Red Flag Warning issued for much of Mid-Michigan.
The National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning when conditions are favorable for rapid growth and spread of wildfires.
The warning covers Bay, Saginaw, Shiawassee and all counties to the north and west. Genesee County and the Thumb are not covered by the warning, but officials still urge extreme caution.
Monday's weather features low relative humidity below 30 percent in much of Michigan with temperatures warming into the 70s. Winds gusting 20 to 25 mph will help flames spread quickly through dry brush.
Any outdoor fires can quickly get out of control through Monday afternoon, so fire officials are urging the public to avoid burning anything. Contact your local fire department before burning anything.
Fire conditions will improve by Monday evening, as more humid air and precipitation moves into Mid-Michigan.