At 2:08 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning valid for Monday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for Crowley County including Ordway, Otero County including La Junta and Western Comanche Grasslands and Eastern Las Animas County including Pinon Canyon.
Residents can expect winds to be west 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 12 percent.
“Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning,” adds the NWS.
What is the significance of a red flag warning?
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 steps should you follow 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. Secure burn barrels:
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:
Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.
3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:
To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it’s thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from 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 paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service