The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for our area and much of Iowa on Wednesday, February 18, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. According to the National Weather Service, the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can lead to extreme fire behavior.
Forecast Details
- Winds: 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph
- Relative Humidity: 12 to 22%
- Fire Danger: The Grassland Fire Danger Index lists the Indianola Fire District area as “Extreme,” as of 5:08 a.m. Wednesday.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become uncontrollable.
Review Forecast Details
Burn Ban Reminder
Residents are reminded that open burning is strictly prohibited within city limits. The burn ban, which went into effect at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 14, across Warren County, remains in effect for the Indianola Fire District until further notice.
Persistent dry conditions have left vegetation dead and highly flammable. Please avoid any open burning and help us protect lives and property. Violating the burn ban is a simple misdemeanor.
The Indianola Fire Department covers approximately 125 square miles of territory in the center of Warren County.
View Coverage Area
Stay Connected
For updates, visit www.indianolaiowa.gov, follow the City of Indianola and Indianola Fire Department on social media and watch for official announcements. When conditions improve, allowing for a lift of the burn ban, notifications will be made through the City of Indianola website, social media and press release distribution.
For more information, please visit the following resources:
Previous Update (February 17, 2026)
The risk of fire is expected to remain elevated in the coming days. According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Des Moines, the forecast calls for warmer temperatures and stronger winds, creating hazardous conditions for any outdoor burning:
- Temperatures: 50s to 60s
- Winds: 20 to 40 mph (or greater)
Much of Iowa will be under a Fire Weather Watch on Wednesday, February 18, from morning through evening, with relative humidity values dropping to 15–25%.
These factors significantly increase the likelihood that any fire could spread rapidly and become uncontrollable. The Grassland Fire Danger Index currently lists our area as a "very high" risk, meaning conditions favor extreme fire behavior.
Residents are reminded that open burning is strictly prohibited within city limits. The burn ban, which went into effect at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 14, across Warren County, remains in effect for the Indianola Fire District. Persistent dry conditions have left vegetation dead and highly flammable. Please avoid any open burning and help us protect lives and property. Any violation of the burn ban is a simple misdemeanor.
For updates, visit www.indianolaiowa.gov, follow the City of Indianola and Indianola Fire Department on social media and watch for official announcements.
For more information, please visit the following resources:
Original Post (February 14, 2026)
Open burning has been deemed a threat to life and property, leading fire departments across Warren County, including the Indianola Fire Department, to jointly request a countywide burn ban from the Iowa State Fire Marshal.
Pursuant to Iowa Code 100.40(1), a burn ban within the Indianola Fire District is in effect until further notice beginning at 2 p.m. today, Saturday, February 14. Any violation of the burn ban is a simple misdemeanor.
Persistent dry conditions and lack of rainfall have left vegetation across the county dry and dead, creating a severe fire risk with the potential for rapid, uncontrolled spread. When conditions improve, allowing for a lift of the burn ban, notifications will be made through the City of Indianola website, social media and press release distribution.
The Indianola Fire Department covers approximately 125 square miles of territory in the center of Warren County.
View Coverage Area
For more information, please visit the following resources: