What is a red flag warning? How to stay safe if your state is under alert.
Firefighters in the Northeast are battling dangerous brush and wildfires fueled by historic drought conditions. Hundreds of residents along the New York-New Jersey border fled their homes and New York City's fire department said it responded to a record number of brush fires in late October and early November.
New York is under a statewide burn ban through the end of the month and some Northeast states have red flag wildfire warnings. Wondering what that means? Here's a quick guide to weather service cautions.
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.
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.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.
Paste BN is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What is my state motto?" to "What causes thunderstorms?" to "What is the oldest tree?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.