On Sunday at 4:37 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. for El Paso and Hudspeth counties.
Winds are forecasted to be for Sunday, west winds around 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. For Tuesday, west winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph and relative humidity for Sunday, 7 to 13 percent. For Tuesday, 10 to 15 percent below 7500 and 15 to 25 percent above 7500 feet.
“Breezy west flow continues today with a lee surface low over eastern New Mexico. Winds will be slightly weaker than Saturday, but still likely to reach critical thresholds and promote rapid fire spread. The winds, in combination with very low humidity and critically dry fuels, will lead to critical fire weather conditions for several hours Sunday afternoon. Another system will approach the area on Tuesday, which will bring strong winds with 20-foot gusts as high as 50 MPH. Lowland RH values will drop well into the teens with values of 15 to 25 percent in the mountains. Nevertheless, given the dry fuels, the fire danger will remain very high in the Lincoln and Capitan National Forests and is included within the Fire Weather Watch,” according to the NWS. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
What does a red flag warning indicate?
A red flag warning signifies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be shortly, as stated by the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What steps should you follow during a red flag warning?
During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:
1. Bolster burn barrel safety:
If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful handling of smoking materials:
Steer clear of haphazardly discarding lit cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.
4. Never desert a blaze:
Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
