Red Flag Warning (2024)

FAQs

Should I be worried about a Red Flag Warning? ›

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. -If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. Avoid outdoor burning, use equipment that could generate sparks responsibly, and report any signs of fire or smoke to the authorities promptly.

A Red Flag Warning or a Fire Weather Watch is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions (low relative humidity, elevated temperatures, strong winds) support extreme fire danger.

The weather service issues a red flag warning when there is an increased risk of fire danger because of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. It's especially important for fire managers and officials – red flag warnings let them know to stop any planned burns and keep an eye out for wildfires.

A Status Red Weather Warning is the most severe weather warning and implores all citizens to take appropriate action in order to protect themselves from the anticipated conditions.

But if red flags aren't addressed, Schiff said they can become even more problematic since they don't go away on their own. “It's an opportunity for you to assess the situation and see if it's a dealbreaker or if it's something that can be worked through,” Schiff says. “Either way, you have a choice to make.”

Never mow or trim dry grass during a red flag warning because a power tool could spark on a rock and start a grass fire. It is not recommended even on windy, dry, hot days. No wood or charcoal camp fires in forests during periods of high fire danger. Thoroughly extinguish all cigarettes and smoking material.

No burning of any kind is recommended during a Red Flag Warning, even if you're using a grill, especially a charcoal grill. If you see smoke of any kind, call it in immediately just to be safe.

Following a red flag being shown, the exit of the pit lane is closed and cars must proceed to the pit lane slowly without overtaking, lining up at the pit exit.

Third-Party Oversight

The penalty for non-compliance with the Red Flags Rule is $3,500 maximum in civil fines per violation and up to $2,500 per infraction.

What to do if you notice a red flag? ›

After drought conditions or a dry season, when humidity is very low, and especially when there are high or erratic winds (which may also include lightning as a factor), the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies.

A Red Flag Warning and Purple Warnings are the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.

Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather. Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely. You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

/rɛd flæg/ A red flag is either a literal warning of some danger, like the signal flag used by a sinking ship, or a figurative warning, like the red flag a candidate's angry outburst sends to the voters about his temperament.

NWS offices issue Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings for critical fire weather patterns that contribute to extreme fire danger and/or fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch is used to alert agencies to the high potential for development of a Red Flag event in the 12-72 hour time frame.