An updated red flag warning was released by the National Weather Service on Friday at 3:34 a.m. valid between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. for Oldham and Deaf Smith counties.

20-foot winds: Southwest 20.0 to 25.0 mph with gusts up to 40.0 mph.

Relative humidity: As low as 10 percent.

Red Flag Threat Index: 3 to 6

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 should you do under 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:

If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover 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 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 abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect 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