Weather Ready Nation Report: Fire Weather

The term ‘winter season’ is often associated with colder temperatures and snowy conditions, but here in West Texas it also means that fire weather season is underway. The South Plains is already seeing critical fire weather conditions in place and Red Flag Warnings are being issued regularly across the region.

Ron McQueen, lead forecaster at the National Weather Service Lubbock and fire weather program manager explains what a Red Flag Warning is and why they they are issued. “Red Flag Warning criteria means that we are looking for wind speeds of 20 miles and hour or greater, and relative humidity less than 15 percent. Along with high or higher fire danger. So we’re looking at a combination of dry, windy, warm weather with fuel conditions being receptive to fire.”

When these types of warnings are posted, it’s important to be aware of everything you’re doing outside. “When the fire danger is increasing we certainly recommend the public pay attention to what the local officials are advising, that might mean to hold off on burning activities. Other activities that involve heat, so welding and just pay more attention to everything that you do. From dragging a chain behind your car to whatever might potentially cause sparks. Because that’s all it takes is a single spark and we could have a wildfire when conditions are right.”

And if a wildfire starts, not only do local fire departments respond, but the folks from the Texas A&M Forest Service also answer the call. Paige Purvis from the Texas A&M Forest Service explains. “Basically we can get requested to a fire from any type of city or county official or any volunteer fire department. Then we come and bring the dozers as well as fire engines if needed. Whatever they request us for. The dozers will remove the fuel side of that or the vegetation, cutting those lines and then the fire burns up to those control lines and puts itself out.”