UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Des Moines reports the fire risk in Iowa for Saturday, April 29th has diminished considerably, thanks to lighter winds and cooler temperatures.
Three Iowa counties, Poweshiek, Black Hawk and Dubuque have burn bans in place.
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DES MOINES, Iowa - One week snow storms warnings, the next week grass fire warnings. Welcome to spring in Iowa.
Some counties are warning residents to use great caution when burning outdoors because the risk of grass fires is so high.
In much of Iowa dry vegetation and high winds today means very high risk of grass fires. In the North Central part of the state, where repeated snow storms have dumped record amounts of snow for the month of April, the fire risk is extreme.
From the National Weather Service:
Very High Grassland Fire Index – Definition: Fires spread rapidly and show erratic behavior. Dangerous burning conditions exist.
Extreme Grassland Fire Index – Definition: Potential for large fires exists. Fires spread rapidly. Extreme fire behavior is probable. Critical burning conditions exist.