Five states are under red-flag fire warnings amid conditions that could cause “extreme fire behavior,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Why It Matters
Red-flag warnings are issued when weather conditions could cause wildfires that could endanger lives or property. The western region of the United States has been in a decades-long drought that has fueled historic wildfires in recent years. For instance, fires in southern California led to dozens of deaths and the destruction of structures near Los Angeles this year.
What To Know
The NWS on Monday implemented a red-flag warning across parts of Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming amid concerns that strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures could lead to fires across those states.
It spans most of Utah, the westernmost areas of Colorado, southwest Wyoming, southeast Idaho and parts of central and northern Nevada.
In Utah, southwesterly winds with gusts of up to 35 mph, along with relative humidities as low as 5-14 percent, could create critical fire conditions this week.
Areas in central and northern Nevada has a moderate fire risk due to sustained southwest winds nearing 15 mph, with gusts nearing 25 mph, and relative humidity values as low as 5 percent.
Some areas in central Nevada are under a Fire Weather Watch, which the NWS issues when there is a combination of dry fuels and weather conditions that could lead to extreme fire danger.
During a red-flag warning, residents are urged to avoid risky behavior like campfires or other open flames, smoking or setting off fireworks. The NWS also urges residents to have an evacuation plan, ensure they have a go kit ready in case of an emergency and listen to their local officials for evacuation updates.
DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images
What People Are Saying
The Salt Lake City branch of the NWS, Sunday on X: “Southwesterly winds with gusts to 35 mph will combine with low RH to create critical fire weather conditions on Monday for most of central, southern, and portions of northern Utah. These conditions will persist through Wednesday for portions of central and southern Utah.”
The Elko, Nevada, branch of the NWS, Monday on X: “There is an elevated risk of wildfires in most of Northern and Central Nevada from 11 AM this morning until 10 PM this evening. The combination of critically dry fuels, very low relative humidity values, and gusty southwest winds can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”
What Happens Next
The conditions could continue through Wednesday, according to the NWS. The warning is in effect until 9 p.m. MT on Wednesday for some areas near Salt Lake City.