What is a red flag warning for wildfires? Here’s what the weather service alert means
Tarrant County and several counties to the west and south of Fort worth are under a red flag warning, according to the National Weather Service.
“The threat for wildfires will increase starting today and continuing into Wednesday,” the NWS alert states. “A Red Flag Warning is in effect for today, meaning conditions will be favorable for extreme fire behavior. Avoid all outside burning and welding.”
The warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Much of North and Central Texas are also under an excessive heat warning as heat index values of between 105 and 112 degrees are expected. Dallas-Fort Worth will see a high of 107 degrees for Tuesday and Wednesday. It will cool off a couple of degrees as we head into the weekend.
The heat, according to the NWS, “will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
In Texas, what does a red flag warning mean?
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.
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.
Many parts of Texas are still in drought conditions, affecting an estimated 22 million Texans, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Texas Current Water Availability and Conditions
This map shows the current Texas water conditions by watershed and currently available data for streams and reservoirs. Use the buttons below to switch the map's focus to drought conditions and above and below average stream and reservoir levels. Tap on watersheds, streams and reservoirs for more information on levels and flow rates. Water conditions are color coded with blues indicating above-normal conditions, green being normal and yellow and red indicating below-normal conditions. The streamflow and reservoir information is in real-time, and watershed information is updated daily.
SOURCES: Environmental Protection Agency, USGS National Water Information System, ESRI and US Drought Monitor.
What are the conditions for issuing a red flag warning in Texas?
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.
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).
