The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning at 6:29 p.m. on Monday valid for Tuesday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Northern Worcester and Southern Worcester as well as Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire, Hampden, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.
Expect winds to be northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph and relative humidity as low as 35 percent.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” says the weather service.
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 weather service. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
So, what are the recommended measures to take during a red flag warning?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The weather service 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:
- 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. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:
- 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 reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
