Expanded red flag warning extends wildfire risk across 54 Minnesota counties

The National Weather Service expanded a red flag warning covering wildfire risk to 54 Minnesota counties on Wednesday. The warning was issued because hot, dry and breezy conditions will raise the risk of fast-moving wildfires across the state. It was in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

NWS officials expanded the warning from 27 counties to 54 by Wednesday morning, adding 27 counties to the earlier footprint. Newly added counties cited in reporting included Carver, Scott, Rice, Waseca, Wright and Sherburne, stretching the alert into and around the Twin Cities hinterland. Forecasts called for Twin Cities highs near 85 degrees Fahrenheit and western Minnesota pushing into the low 90s, with southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph.

Earlier coverage on the same outlet briefly reported a broader footprint of 66 counties, creating a shift in the story as updates clarified the extent. FOX 9's follow-up reporting corrected the expansion number and tied it specifically to an update from NWS, showing how fast-moving weather updates can change public guidance.