STORM2K

I assume that a red flag warning means you shouldn't start a fire outdoors? Is this correct? In Tampa we have gone quite awhile now without rain. How do I find out if there is an outdoor ban on fires in my area? Is an outdoor ban the same as the red flag warning? An idiot across the street started burning something last night and it was sending embers into the trees. This was after dark. An hour after the red flag warning had expired. I heard some of the neighbors screaming to put it out and they had an argument. They finally put it out.

Simply put... a red flag warning means you shouldn't start a fire, but it's not a ban.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert land management agencies of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. This could be due to low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, or any combination thereof. Each year, the NWS coordinates with each state to implement a State Operating Plan related to fire weather services. Red flag criteria are set in these plans and vary from state to state.

We've been in a burn ban here off and on a lot lately, but I don't recall having a Red Flag Warning here....not certain though. NWS issues Red Flag Warning. Who issues the burn ban? County officials?

Some people were still burning even though we had a burn ban, and there were a lot of grassfires and wildfires. Then I started seeing white signs along the sides of the streets with big red letters BURN BAN about the size of all of those roofing and repair signs that those of us along the coast see everywhere. I guess there are some people who don't pay attention to the news or newspapers so ya gotta put it right in their face.

Thank you so much for the explanations. I think if it happens again I'll call the fire department for advice. The homes here are fairly close together in a semi rural area.

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when certain criteria are met that could led to fire control and spread problems (here in AZ it's 20 ft sustained winds of 20 mph or more and relative humidity below 15%). In and by itself, it is not a burn ban but rather a notice that conditions are favorable for a nasty fire situation. Bans on open burning (or camp and cooling fires) are initiated by Local officials (for Counties and Cities0 or Forestry Officials (for National, State and County Parks) based upon the Fire Weather Forecasts issued by the local NWSFO's.

Steve

Ah ok...thanks Steve. We've been in quite a few burn bans lately, but we get a few drops of rain, and they get lifted for a while. We really just need a good soaking, but no flooding.