Millions Told To Avoid Campfires in 4 States

Campfires are banned for millions across four states due to a string of Red Flag wildfire warnings this weekend.

Residents, gardeners, campers, and day-trippers across four states are set to be affected by the National Weather Service (NWS) warnings, as the authorities seek to minimize the risk of fires spreading out of control.

The current weather conditions across parts of the country will see high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds―which all create a perfect storm that increases the risk of fire dangers.

Why It Matters

The warnings come amid heightened fears surrounding wildfires, following the deadly infernos in California in January 2025 that saw dozens of people killed and left thousands homeless, with more than 12,000 buildings burned to the ground and thousands of acres razed to ashes. In recent weeks, both New Jersey and North Carolina have suffered their own wildfire blazes.

What To Know

The NWS explains that Red Flag Warnings are implemented when “warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.”

Areas in northeast Montana, northeast North Dakota, central, northeast and southern South Dakota, and northwest Minnesota are all covered by Red Flag warnings this weekend, the agency said.

A huge number of towns and rural communities are covered by the Red Flag warnings, so residents in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota should all check their local weather reports and news broadcasts for the most up-to-date information.

Many of the warnings will remain in place throughout Saturday and into Sunday.

Thunderstorms are also forecast with strong winds of up to 20 mph in northeast Montana, NWS experts said, adding: “Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

Meanwhile, in Minnesota: “Southerly winds will continue to increase over the weekend, with extremely warm temperatures arriving by Sunday. The hot temperatures, low relative humidity values, and strong southerly winds bring critical fire weather conditions today [Saturday] as well as Sunday afternoon. Focus for worst fire weather conditions is on Sunday as this is the day with the lowest RH [relative humidity], strongest winds and highest temperatures.”

Adding to the misery, parts of North Dakota were also hit with an air-quality warning on Saturday morning, urging residents to be aware that high pollution levels had left the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with asthma.

What People Are Saying

The NWS has launched a string of warnings across huge swathes of the country, and the agency has also posted on social-media site X (formerly Twitter) to publicize the dangers.

For example, the NWS Sioux Falls posted a graphic showing wind and humidity forecasts and said: “A Fire Weather Watch is in effect on Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm for most of the area due to the combination of windy, very dry, and very warm conditions. Fire danger continues Monday and Tuesday. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and campfires could be very dangerous.”

What Happens Next

Residents should continue to monitor local forecasts for relevant Red Flag warnings and avoid having campfires in affected areas.