At 2:03 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service released an updated red flag warning in effect until 7 p.m. for Dallam and Hartley counties.

20-foot winds: Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

Relative humidity: As low as 5 percent.

Red Flag Threat Index: 4 to 7

What does a red flag warning mean?

A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per 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 actions are necessary during a red flag warning?

A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:

1. Bolster burn barrel safety:

In areas where controlled burning is sanctioned, make certain that burn barrels sport a weighty metal cover, equipped with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Responsible disposal of smoking materials:

Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking 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 leave fires unattended:

Refrain from leaving any fire unattended. Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.

What are 20-foot winds?

20-foot winds are the sustained winds averaged over a 10-minute period at a height of 20 feet above the average height of nearby vegetation.

Red Flag Threat Index

RFTI is a numerical value that indicates the severity of the Red Flag fire conditions.

0 Nil

1-2 Elevated

3-4 Critical Low

5-6 Critical High

7-8 Extremely Critical

9-10 Historically Critical

Source: The National Weather Service