On Thursday at 4:10 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning valid for Thursday between noon and 7 p.m. for Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Blount, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga, Lowndes, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Lee, Russell, Pike and Barbour counties.

Winds are expected to be west 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 24 percent.

“The combination of a dry air mass and windy conditions will result in critical fire weather conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” describes the weather service.

What does a red flag warning indicate?

A red flag warning means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, according to the weather service. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire spreading rapidly.

So, what steps should you follow during a red flag warning?

A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The weather service provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:

1. Bolster burn barrel safety:

• In areas where controlled burning is sanctioned, make certain that burn barrels sport a weighty metal cover, equipped with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:

• Steer clear of haphazardly discarding lit cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.

3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

• To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.

4. Never leave fires unattended:

• Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.