ST. GEORGE — A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of Southern Utah for Thursday, June 13, from noon to 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, “Critical fire weather conditions are likely to occur. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.”
Temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees, with 10-20 mph winds and gusts of up to 35 mph. Additionally, relative humidity as low as 7%, combined with extreme heat and wind, necessitated the warning, a weather service news release said.
Fire Weather Zone 498, which includes portions of Washington, Kane and Garfield counties extending east of Kanab to Telegraph Flat, is specifically mentioned in the alert.
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
Chart provides safety tips for those who plan to burn while a Red Flag Warning is in effect, date and location no specified | Image courtesy of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, St. George News