A red flag warning does not necessarily mean there is a fire ongoing – extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly, according to the NWS. If a fire does start, it has the potential to quickly become extreme due to the critical fire weather conditions.

Warm, dry and windy conditions have combined to make for critical fire weather danger across Iowa. A red flag warning is in effect through 8 p.m. for most of the southern half of the state, including Polk County.