More than 400 wildfires burned across Canada on Tuesday, 238 of them considered out-of-control. The smoke has made its way to the U.S., resulting in unhealthy air quality levels and eerie, hazy sunrises.
Fire danger is poised to strike in parts of the U.S. as well, with the National Weather Service listing parts of Michigan as under a red flag warning for Wednesday after five states were listed at risk on Tuesday. If your area is under alert here’s what it means and what to do about it.
What is a red flag warning?
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.
Red flag warnings are typically issued during the spring and fall fire seasons, the weather service says, which is Feb. 15 to April 30 and Oct. 1 to Dec. 15.
What to do if you get a red flag warning
According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the weather service, residents can protect their homes from fire danger by following these guidelines:
- Extinguish outdoor fires properly and do not leave them unattended
- Keep burn barrels covered with a weighted metal cover
- Soak ashes and charcoal in water and dispose of them in a metal can
- Avoid using lawnmowers in dry vegetation and follow local fire guidelines when using chainsaws and other motors
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle, which can ignite grass and start a wildfire
- Do not drive vehicles in dry, tall grass
- Make sure trailer chains do not drag on the ground
The IAFC also recommends keeping grass and vegetation short and watered before a red flag warning to keep your home safe from fires.
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Can you grill during a red flag warning?
There aren't specific guidelines against grilling during a red flag warning, but you’ll want to exercise more caution than normal if you do. Drier conditions mean embers or sparks from outdoor fires can easily ignite leaves or grass.
If you are planning to grill, do not leave the grill unattended and dispose of ashes and charcoal properly by soaking them in water and throwing them in a metal can.
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Where is there a red flag warning?
Just one state (Michigan) was under a red flag warning on Wednesday after five states were under such conditions Tuesday, including parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington and Alaska. See USA TODAY’s interactive map of weather warnings, air quality index and wildfire smoke map for the U.S. and Canada.
