The National Weather Service’s Iowa Grassland Fire Danger Index for today (Tuesday) shows much of western Iowa is in the very high to extreme risk categories. While there are no active burn bans in effect, residents are being advised to avoid any outdoor fires as high winds and unusually dry conditions have resulted in unusually hazardous conditions for February. Currently, Greene and Guthrie Counties fall into the high-risk category while Audubon, Crawford, Calhoun, Carroll and Sac Counties are rated as very high. Conditions deteriorate moving northwest out of the listening area into extreme risk categories for Woodbury, Plymouth and Sioux Counties. Authorities recommend residents always contact their local fire department to inform them of a planned burn prior to starting, regardless of weather conditions.
