On Saturday at 3:30 a.m. an updated red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Saturday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. for Berkshire County.
Expect winds to be northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity as low as 40 percent.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” states the weather service.
What does a red flag warning mean?
A red flag warning signifies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be shortly, as stated by 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 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 weather service 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 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:
- 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. 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 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 of paramount importance in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield 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.
