Fire Chief Warns of High Wind and Fire Danger

Kevin Schuelke, Chief of the Milbank Fire Department, released this warning: Very strong west to northwest winds are expected Wednesday (October 14), with occasional gusts up to 40 and 50 mph. These winds, combined with very dry grasses and crops and low humidity, will result in very high to extreme fire danger.

Use caution to prevent accidentally sparking a fire, as rapid spread and erratic fire behavior is possible. More importantly, use common sense. Delay burning!  As I tell those that want to burn, “100 percent of the calls the fire department responds to were never gonna happen.” 

FEMAAlerts:
Wind Advisory issued October 13 at 3:52PM CDT until October 14 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Aberdeen SD

Areas Affected: Deuel; Faulk; Hamlin; Grant; Roberts; Hand; Marshall; Codington; Clark; Edmunds; Day; Brown; Big Stone; Spink; Traverse; McPherson

* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.* WHERE…Portions of central, north central and northeast SouthDakota and west central Minnesota.* WHEN…From 10 AM to 7 PM CDT Wednesday.* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. A few power outages are possible. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.