Watch vs warning › Fire weather watch vs red flag warning
Fire weather watch vs red flag warning
A fire weather watch means upcoming conditions could result in extensive wildland fire occurrence or extreme fire behavior. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather pattern is ongoing or imminent.
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This box reads public National Weather Service data when you load the page. It does not notify you, and it does not run in the background. Do not use it in place of a weather radio or your phone alerts.
Neither one means a fire is burning near you. They mean that if a fire starts, it will spread fast and be hard to stop.
What the National Weather Service says
Fire Weather Watch
A watch alerts land managers and the public that upcoming weather conditions could result in extensive wildland fire occurrence or extreme fire behavior. Critical fire weather conditions are possible but not imminent or occurring.
- Issued by
- Your local National Weather Service forecast office, in conjunction with land management agencies.
- How long it lasts
- The expiration time is written in the alert. Check it there.
Red Flag Warning
The National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning, in conjunction with land management agencies, to alert land managers to an ongoing or imminent critical fire weather pattern.
- Issued by
- Your local National Weather Service forecast office, in conjunction with land management agencies.
- How long it lasts
- The expiration time is written in the alert. Check it there.
Fire weather uses Red Flag Warning as its warning level alert. There is no product called a fire weather warning.
The conditions behind these alerts are usually some combination of low humidity, strong wind, warm temperatures, and dry vegetation. The exact criteria are set by each local office with its land management partners.
A red flag warning is a fire weather alert. It is not an evacuation order. Evacuation orders come from your state and local officials.
What to do
If a fire weather watch is issued
- Put off any burning. Do not burn brush, trash, or debris.
- Check the current burn restrictions for your county or district before you use any flame outdoors.
- Clear dry leaves, needles, and brush away from the house.
- Move anything that burns easily away from the walls, the deck, and under the deck.
- Get your go bag ready and put your important documents in one place.
- Fuel up the vehicle and back it into the driveway so you can leave quickly.
- Sign up for your county emergency notifications if you have not.
If a red flag warning is issued
- Be extremely careful with open flames.
- Do not burn anything outdoors.
- Do not use equipment that throws sparks. No mowing dry grass, no grinding, no welding, no chainsaws in dry brush.
- Do not park a hot vehicle over dry grass. The exhaust can start a fire.
- Put cigarettes out completely and never toss one from a vehicle.
- Keep your phone on and watch for evacuation notices from local officials.
- If you are told to evacuate, go immediately. Do not wait to see smoke.
Common questions
What does a red flag warning mean?
It means an ongoing or imminent critical fire weather pattern. The National Weather Service issues it in conjunction with land management agencies. It does not mean a fire is burning near you. It means any fire that starts is likely to spread fast, so be extremely careful with open flames and anything that throws a spark.
Source: www.weather.gov/safety/wildfire-wwWhat is the difference between a fire weather watch and a red flag warning?
A Fire Weather Watch means critical fire weather conditions are possible but not imminent or occurring. A Red Flag Warning means that pattern is ongoing or imminent. The watch is your time to clear brush and get ready. The warning is your time to avoid anything that could start a fire.
Source: www.weather.gov/safety/wildfire-wwDo I need to evacuate during a red flag warning?
Not by itself. A red flag warning is a weather alert, not an evacuation order. Evacuation orders come from your state and local officials. If they issue one for your area, leave immediately and do not wait until you can see smoke or flame.
Source: www.weather.gov/safety/wildfire-wwHow a fire weather alert reaches you
Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches are not on the National Weather Service list of alerts sent to cell phones as Wireless Emergency Alerts. Do not expect your phone to buzz for one.
Evacuation orders during an actual wildfire come from state and local officials rather than the National Weather Service. Sign up for your county emergency notification system so those reach you.
Source: www.weather.gov/wrn/weaWhere fire weather alerts are broadcast
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.
It carries fire weather watches and red flag warnings. It needs a special radio receiver or scanner.
Source: www.weather.gov/nwr