High winds and dry conditions across the region causes high risks for fires

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — This week has brought a blast of humidity and wind across the region.

“We can see the strongest area of that jet stream is over us right now. And as we continue throughout the day today, it stays there. Even giving us a little bit of a break overnight, but as we get into our Friday, the strongest area of that jet stream, known as a jet streak, is mainly sticking over us as well,” said Dylan Haar, KVRR Morning Meteorologist.

On Thursday morning, a Delta Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Grand Forks landed in Fargo due to the winds. A passenger on the flight says the pilot made two landing attempts in Grand Forks before diverting to Fargo.

A Grand Forks airport official says winds at the airport were around 45 miles per hour. The flight eventually made it back to Grand Forks.

“Especially with the winds, especially if you have any outdoor porches, outdoor plants, anything like that, you’re really wanting to make sure they’re strapped down or brought inside. Especially as these winds can cause things to go flying, especially when it becomes airborne, that’s when it becomes very dangerous,” said Haar.

The wind, humidity, and dry weather over the last week have also increased the potential for starting fires. According to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, the fire risk in Cass County is high.

“Any accidental type of fire ignition, like from a discarded cigarette or sparks from driving down the road with the chain hanging, that can easily start any type of fire. Along the road ditches or along debris piles or stuff like that in the grasses and spread extremely quickly, as compared to nonwindy days or days that the humidity is a lot higher,” said Kenton Chromey, Deputy Fire Marshal.

While numerous fires have occurred as of late, Chromey says not all are due to the conditions. But he wants people to remain aware of the hazards.