Burning bans continue in numerous local-area counties as conditions remain dry, and a Red Flag fire danger warning is now effect for much of the region. National Weather Service forecaster Byron Paulson says all the ingredients for increased fire danger have come together, including temperatures in the 80s, low humidity and dry grass. Paulson says increasing wind gusts might prove to be the most dangerous factor in west-central and southwestern Minnesota this afternoon. Southern Minnesota counties with burning bans now in place include: Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Sibley, Waseca, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine. All open burning is suspended in these counties until further notice. The Red Flag warning is in effect until 7pm on Wednesday.