Red Flag Warning issued for several counties

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for a number of surrounding counties.

The Red Flag Warning means weather and vegetation conditions are favorable for grass, wild and structure fires to catch and spread rapidly.

Above-normal dry conditions warrant the precaution, which has been declared for Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Calhoun, Allegan, Barry and several other Lower Peninsula counties.

National Weather Service officials said moderate to strong winds increase the potential spread of fires.