RED FLAG WARNING

There continues to be a Red Flag Warning throughout the area. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential.

From The National Weather Service:

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND DRY CONDITIONS FOR SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT... * AFFECTED AREA...Northern Fairfield, Northern New Haven, Northern Middlesex, Northern New London, Southern Fairfield, Southern New Haven, Southern Middlesex and Southern New London.

* TIMING...Through 8 PM this evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 16 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...In the upper 20s.

* IMPACTS...Rapid fire spread is possible if ignition occurs, given gusty NW winds and very dry conditions across the area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

What should you do if a Red Flag Warning is issued for your area?

A Red Flag Warning issued by the NWS informs people within the warning area that they should use caution when dealing with anything that could pose as a fire hazard.

· Do not start a campfire or ignite a burn pile

· Do not burn trash

· Avoid using equipment such as a lawnmower, chainsaw, or any other implement that may emit sparks.

· Do not dispose of cigarette butts on the ground or outside of your car

· It is okay to use your grill, just have a water source nearby and do not dispose of the ashes until the Warning has been cancelled and the ashes are fully extinguished.

· Watch for smoke nearby. If there is an unattended fire, report it immediately!

To whom should you report a wildfire?