The warning was for Middlesex, Monmouth, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Ocean and Atlantic counties.

According to the National Weather Service, “Conditions have fallen below Red Flag Warning criteria. An increased risk of fire spread is possible. See the Special Weather Statement for more information.”

What is the importance of a red flag warning?

A red flag warning indicates that extreme fire weather conditions are currently occurring or will occur soon, according to the weather service. High temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds are expected to combine to increase the risk of rapid fire spread.

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

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

1. Support muzzle burn safety:

• If burning is allowed near you, make sure all burn barrels have a weighted metal lid with holes no larger than 3/4 inch.

2. Careful disposal of smoking materials:

• Dispose of cigarette butts prudently and avoid throwing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly harmless actions can set dry grass ablaze and potentially trigger a wildfire.

3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:

• To prevent accidental fires, extinguish all outdoor fires with care. Drown them in plenty of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Immerse the coal in water until its heat disappears completely. Never leave live coal unattended.

4. Never put out the fire:

• Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even small parks or embers can ignite a fire that can spread rapidly into leaves or grass.

Understanding the seriousness of a red flag warning and complying with these precautions is crucial to preventing wildfires during these dangerous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay perfectly informed, and take responsibility for protecting lives and property.

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