Red Flag Warning in Effect Sept. 9 – 11
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning beginning Friday, September 9 at noon and ending Sunday, September 11 at 7:00 pm. Temperatures are expected to reach 70-80 degrees, relative humidity will be as low as 20%, and 5-15 mph winds are expected. Fire danger is high during these conditions.
In addition, the Pierce County Fire Marshal along with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs have issued a burn ban for Pierce County. All outdoor burning is now prohibited until the Red Flag Warning is lifted. Gas grills and BBQs are okay to use.
Learn more by visiting the Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when warm temperatures combine with a dry, unstable air mass. These conditions contribute to increased fire danger, causing fires to start easier and spread faster.
Fire safety during Red Flag Warning:
- Be mindful of local burn bans and stay updated on changing burn ban status.
- Don’t throw cigarettes out your car window, or extinguish them in vegetation including beauty bark.
- Ensure trailer chains don’t drag on the ground, these can spark and easily ignite a brush fire.
- Be mindful of maintaining a defensible space around your home (i.e. creating a buffer between your home and vegetation or other items that can easily catch fire).
- Stay alert to active wildfires in your area, monitor evacuation notices, and be prepared to leave at a moments notice.