What is a red flag warning for wildfires? Here’s what the weather service alert means
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Texas wildfires
Record heat and drought conditions are the perfect storm for wildfires like Possum Kingdom and Chalk Mountain that have burned 575,000 acres across the state.
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Texas fires have already burned 400K more acres than in all of 2021. And it’s only July.
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What is a red flag warning for wildfires? Here’s what the weather service alert means
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This summer’s wildfires have led to red flag or fire weather warnings throughout North and Central Texas.
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This year’s fire activity is trending above normal, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Since January, the agency and local departments have responded to 6,809 wildfires that have burned 596,427 acres across the state. Above normal fire activity is expected to persist through the summer, as hot temperatures and dry conditions are forecast to continue.
What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly, according to the National Weather Service. The warning alerts fire managers on federal lands of highly unfavorable conditions for prescribed burns, which can lead to especially dangerous wildfire growth. When warnings are issued, officials curtail planned burns and are on the lookout for wildfires.
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Red flag warnings are usually only issued during the spring and fall fire weather seasons, from Feb. 15 to April 30 and from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, says the National Weather Service. But a combination of strong winds, low humidity, hot temperatures and dry vegetation are contributing to increased risk of fire danger in the middle of summer.
Texas drought conditions have also worsened. As of July 12, 94% of Texas was in drought conditions, affecting an estimated 22 million Texans, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. About 52% of the state is seeing extreme or exceptional drought.
Just six months ago, 67% of the state was in drought with 11% extreme or exceptional.
Under dry conditions and triple digit temperatures, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters are responding to several large wildfires. On Monday, Texas A&M Forest Service responded to 18 fires for 6,594 acres. Overall, there were 53 ongoing wildfires in Texas encompassing 14,404 acres.
What are the conditions for issuing a red flag warning?
To issue a warning, the National Weather Service needs the following:
Ten-hour fuels of 8% or less — This parameter describes how much water is held by small vegetation such as grass, leaves, and mulch that take only about 10 hours to respond to changes in dry/wet conditions.
Relative humidity less than 25% for several hours — This depicts how much water is in the air, relative to the temperature of the air.
Winds 20 feet off the ground of at least 15 mph for several hours
What should you do under a red flag warning?
Avoid all outside burning and welding, the National Weather Service says.
As of July 19, 213 counties had outdoor burn bans, including Tarrant County. A burn ban can be established by a county judge or county commissioners court prohibiting or restricting outdoor burning for public safety.
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To prevent wildfires under a red flag warning, follow these steps:
- 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.
- Do not toss lit cigarette butts outside, and do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
- Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
- Do not park or drive over tall grass. Do not drag tow chains on the ground.
Texans are encouraged to make an evacuation plan with multiple routes, prepare an emergency kit with supplies, heed guidance from local officials and monitor local news. For current wildfire conditions, read the Texas Fire Potential Outlook.
If there is a wildfire, report it to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office. If your property sustained damage from a wildfire, report it through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT).
This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 11:46 AM with the headline "What is a red flag warning for wildfires? Here’s what the weather service alert means."
