Is that a warning sign? Fire potential in red flag warning areas!— Red Flag Warnings are issued when certain temperature, humidity and drought conditions can make it easier for wildfires to start or spread rapidly.

Dry air reduces the moisture content of vegetation, among other fuels—and is itself a fuel—making it more prone to ignition and susceptible if fire does start.

Strong Winds: High winds can make wildfires much worse by spreading flames and embers quickly.

Extreme Heat : High temperatures dry out vegetation and create perfect conditions for wildfires.

Effects of Red Flag Warnings

Always take precautions for yourself, your property and the environment when red flag warning is issued. The Master Sergeant outlined the following impacts a red flag warning could have:

A Blast of Breezy Fire: Wildfires driven by strong winds can spread as fast and unpredictably.

Fire Suppression: Extreme fire behavior can make wildfires very difficult to put out.

Air Quality Problems:Ash can contribute to the degradation of air quality due to wildfire smoke, which is fine particles and toxic gases in environment.

Property Damage and Fatality: There is a significant amount of property damage destroyed in homes, businesses, infrastructure coupled with fatal occurrences inherent to wildfires.Red Flag Warning Safety

Safety tips during a red flag warning:

Keep Up to Date: Monitor weather forecasts and follow advice from authorities.

Steer Clear of Outdoor Activity: Stay away from anything that could ignite a fire like having an open flame (campfires, grilling or smoking).

Be Prepared to Leave Have an Evacuation plan in place, how you can and must do that when necessary.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Help elderly or disabled neighbors and those with animals prepare for possible evacuations.

Reduce Your Property Dispose of flammable vegetation around your home.