The National Weather Service has issued what’s called a “red flag warning” for much of Minnesota and the northern Great Plains.

A red flag warning indicates critical fire conditions. In this case, it comes from low humidity, a steady breeze and dry grasses, brush and crops.

“Fires could spread quickly under these conditions,” the warning states.

There have been a couple of field fires in the Freeborn County area during the last week, including one Tuesday afternoon in a harvested field southeast of Hayward, at 17543 830th Ave. It was in a field owned by Alton Krikava.

Though the fire was minor, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office detective Scott Golbuff said the fire started from a harvester that sparked from a bearing.

The Hayward Fire Department responded.

A south wind in Albert Lea today is expected to be 9-12 mph increasing later to 17-20 mph, with gusts as high as 28, according the NWS forecast.

The relative humidity is forecast to be as low as 20-25 percent.

“Use extreme caution if outdoors and using anything or partaking in any activities that could result in a spark that could start a fire,” the warning states. “Fires could become dangerous and fast-moving in a short period of time due to the gusty winds and low humidity.”

The red flag warning is in place for today and Thursday.

There is a chance of showers this weekend that could bring relief, if a system from the southwest moves across Iowa and Minnesota.