Iowa

What is a red flag warning? Iowa sees ‘very high to extreme’ fire danger Thursday

Published

11 months ago

October 17, 2024

What is a red flag warning? Iowa sees ‘very high to extreme’ fire danger Thursday

The majority of Iowa, including the Des Moines metro, is under a red flag warning for Thursday.

The warning runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has been expanded to replace the previous fire weather watch, according to the National Weather Service.

What is a red flag warning?

Warm temperatures combined with low humidities and strong winds create an increased risk for fire danger. Red flag warnings are usually only issued in the spring and fall weather seasons from Feb. 15 to April 30 and Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, according to the National Weather Service.

Where is the Red Flag warning in Iowa?

High wind gusts from 35 mph to 45 mph west and north of the Des Moines metro will create “very high to extreme fire danger conditions,” according to the National Weather Service. Humidity will be quite low, ranging from 15% to 25%. Des Moines is expected to see a peak humidity point of 22% and winds at 31 mph.

Is a red flag warning a burn ban in Iowa?

Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Meteorologists strongly advise against starting fires, but cannot ban them.

Individual counties or cities may issue burn bans. Polk, Story and Johnson counties were among the 59 counties with burn bans active as of 8:45 a.m. Thursday. The Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office maintains an interactive map of all active burn bans.

Safety practices you should take during red flag warnings

In areas that permit burning, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
Do not throw away cigarettes or matches while driving. This could ignite dry vegetation.
Properly extinguish outdoor fires by drowning it with plenty of water, and never leave a fire unattended.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

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Iowa

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren joins growing 2nd District GOP field

Published

3 days ago

September 23, 2025

Press Room

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren joins growing 2nd District GOP field

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, announced her run for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District Tuesday, joining a growing field of Republicans aiming to take the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson. In a social media post Tuesday morning, Lundgren announced her U.S. House campaign, kicking off by stating her early support for President Donald […]

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Iowa

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson launches campaign for U.S. Senate

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2025

Press Room

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson launches campaign for U.S. Senate

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson officially launched her campaign for U.S. Senate at the Radisson Hotel in Cedar Rapids on Sunday.

“In the Senate, I will fight to make America look more like Iowa,” Hinson said. “Here, we know the difference between boys and girls. We know that families deserve to keep more of what they earn, and we know the people, not the government, always come first,” she said.

Right now, Ashley Hinson represents northeast Iowa’s 2nd District in Congress.

She’s running to replace Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who announced earlier this month she would not run for re-election.

“Ashley Hinson gives me hope. Someone that I know fights for me. Someone that has my back. And somebody that will have your back,” the Jones County Sheriff, Greg Graveler said about Hinson.

Hinson told Sunday’s crowd she wants to keep deporting illegal immigrants, cut taxes, and defend farmers in agriculture.

She also addressed Democrats who she said may consider her an extremist.

“If it’s extreme to want parents in charge of our kids’ education, if it’s extreme to want safe borders and safe streets, if it’s extreme to believe that there are only two genders, then they can go ahead and call me whatever they want,” Hinson said.

While Hinson will face plenty of competition for the Senate spot from other Republicans and Democrats, she said she’s confident in her campaign.

“We can only deliver on these critical wins, and make America safer and stronger for a generation to come if we win this seat. Or correction – when we win this seat,” Hinson said.

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