Parts of Florida are under a red flag warning. What does that mean for you?
Florida is no stranger to watches and warnings about the weather. After all, we’re hurricane pros.
But this week, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for parts of the state, including inland Southwest Florida and interior east Central Florida — and the term might have you feeling confused.
What is a red flag warning and what does that mean for you?
The warning lets people know there’s an increased risk of fire danger because of a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. It could also mean that potentially hazardous fire weather conditions are already occurring in an area.
Crews are already battling a brush fire in a densely wooded area off Southwest Eighth Street and 137th Avenue in West Miami-Dade. The fire has burned more than 100 acres since it began Tuesday afternoon.
What to do during a red flag warning?
Due to the fire risk facing some Florida counties, the National Weather Service has some tips on what you can do to help prevent a wildfire from starting.
Suggestions include keeping your vehicle off dry grass, avoiding activities involving open flames or sparks, and properly discarding your cigarettes. That means no littering — don’t throw out your cigarettes or matches on the ground or out the window while you’re driving. You should also avoid using any power equipment that creates sparks, the weather service said.
It’s also a good idea to keep monitoring the forecast and local news for updates on whether the red flag warning has been extended, if any fires have started in your area, and whether officials are calling for an evacuation.
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 12:19 PM.
