RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM MST FRIDAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN COCONINO AND YAVAPAI COUNTIES Red Flag Warning issued June 4 at 1:42PM MST until June 5 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Red Flag Warning due to strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM MST Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA…Locations near Fredonia, Grand Canyon, Jacob Lake, North Rim, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Seligman and Valle. This includes portions of the Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest and Prescott National Forest. * WINDS…South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 13 percent. * IMPACTS…The combination of strong gusty winds and low relative humidity may create critical fire weather conditions. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible, which could lead to new fire starts.
Tag Archives: Red Flag Warning
Campfire Safety Urged This Weekend on Kaibab National Forest
WILLIAMS – Kaibab National Forest fire managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any other activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the weekend approaches.
Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, a dry cold front will bring stronger southwest winds into the area this weekend. Temperatures will be noticeably cooler however very dry conditions will endure increasing the threat for critical fire weather. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of northern Arizona beginning Wednesday afternoon. Winds are expected to be up to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph today and 22 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph on Thursday. Although red flag conditions are not yet set for Friday, winds will be 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
“When fuel moistures and relative humidity remain low, fire can spread just as fast even when cold temperatures exist” said Fred Phillips Fire Prevention Officer on the Williams Ranger District. “Historically we have seen more unwanted human caused wildfires occur during this time of year when these type of conditions exist.”
We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.
The following tips for ensuring a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest are recommended:
- Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
- Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out. “Drown, Stir, and Feel!”
- Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
- Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
- Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
- Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.
Remember that if a fire starts no matter what precautions you take, evacuate the area immediately. Do not try to pack up your stuff and do not try to fight the fire yourself. When you get to a safe location call 911.
As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.
High wind advisory until 7 p.m.
WILLIAMS – There is a high wind advisory for the area with sustained winds of 20 to 20-mph with gusts up to 45. The high winds may cause difficulty in driving especially with high profile vehicles. The National Weather Service recommends you consider tying down loose lawn furniture or items that may blow around. The high winds will continue until 7 p.m. tonight.
The winds should remain calm through Sunday and pick up on Monday when snow is expected to blow in. The chance of snow continues through Tuesday during the day and dropping Tuesday night. Wednesday night a chance of showers begins and runs through Friday, according to the long-range forecast.
Temperatures will remain around 50 during the period.
Red Flag Warning from noon to 7 tonight
WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today from noon to 7 p.m. that covers the entire Kaibab National Forest due to strong winds and low relative humidity.
Visitors to the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the affected area, including in developed campgrounds.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or are imminent. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.
The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.
Sheriff’s office to continue display flag on Red Flag days
FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announce it will continue its practice of displaying a red flag at the entrance to the parking lot of the Law Enforcement Administrative Facility–911 E Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff—whenever Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the area. The flying of this red flag is an adoption of the nationwide Red Flag Warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service and meant to inform the public about the fire conditions.
Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service to indicate the imminent danger of Critical Fire Weather conditions – very low relative humidity, strong winds, and dry fuels. You can view a map of current Red Flag Warnings and other National Weather Service Hazards in Arizona by going to http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=psr. The bright pink legend indicates areas with Red Flag Warnings.
The Sheriff’s Office started this practice in June 2014. “By displaying red flags throughout our community in concurrence with the weather service Red Flag Warnings, we can help bring higher visibility to the threat of wild land fires,” said Sheriff Jim Driscoll. “We hope people will see our red flag and other red flags in the community and be reminded to take appropriate actions to avoid catastrophic wild land fires.” Sheriff Driscoll issues a challenge to other Northern Arizona government agencies and local businesses to increase community awareness of the threat of wild fires by posting a red flag on their property when an official Red Flag Warning has been issued.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone who lives in or comes to visit Northern Arizona to know about current fire hazards and restrictions and comply with any fire restrictions that may be in place. This may include restrictions on campfires or other open flames, smoking cigarettes, operating combustible engines, or other activities. Information about fire restrictions in Coconino County can be found at https://firerestrictions.us/az/az-coconino-county/
The Sheriff’s Office also encourages people to participate in the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office / Flagstaff Police Department Woods Watch Program. For more information about Woods Watch, contact Jon Paxton at (928) 226-5089.
NOAA issues RED FLAG warning
Wind speed are expected to increase becoming breezy tonight and high tomorrow across northern Arizona. The critical fire condition could continue Friday.
NOAA has issued a Red Flag warning for Thursday beginning at 11 a.m. running through 8 p.m. in northern Arizona. Today winds will be from the south 16 to 21-mph decreasing to 9 to 14-mph after midnight. Sustained west winds in excess of 30-mph with gusts over 45 are expected late morning through the evening hours Thursday.
Increased wind may combine with low humidity to produce areas of critical fire weather conditions across north central and eastern Arizona Thursday afternoon. The high winds will make travel of high profile vehicles difficult. It is recommended that you slow down and drive with care if you are traveling. Some areas of blowing dust may reduce visibility.
With the increased danger of forest fire, camp fires are not recommended. Use gas stoves if you intend to camp around Williams or Flagstaff.
Red Flag Warning in effect today for North Kaibab and Tusayan Districts
TUSAYAN — The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today from noon to 8 p.m. that covers the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest, as well as other areas of northern Arizona, due to strong winds and low relative humidity.
Visitors to the North Kaibab and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the districts, including in developed campgrounds.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected and that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create an increased potential for large fire growth. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.
The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.