A red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 2:51 a.m. valid for Saturday between noon and 7 p.m. for Calhoun, 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 forecasted to be northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 TO 25 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 signifies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be shortly, as stated by the weather service. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.

So, what actions are necessary 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. Secure burn barrels:

• 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 handling of smoking materials:

• Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.

3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

• To safeguard against accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s thoroughly cooled. Never dispose of live charcoal on the ground.

4. Never leave fires unattended:

• Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is of paramount importance in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield 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.