Fire Weather Awareness Week Day 4

In conjunction with federal and state land management agencies, the National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky is participating in the Fire Prevention Awareness Week from October 4h through the 10th. During the week, different topics concerning fire weather and fire prevention will be discussed, which will educate and increase the awareness of fire weather and fire safety.

Fire Weather/Fire Prevention Awareness Week continues today with a look at Red Flag Warning-an extreme fire weather condition.

In cooperation with federal and state land management agencies, such as the Kentucky Division of Forestry, the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Jefferson National Forest, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the National Weather Service will issue Red Flag Warnings to highlight extreme fire weather conditions when warranted.
 
Red Flag Warnings are issued whenever humidities are very low, 25 percent or lower, wind speeds are expected to be high, and forest fuels, such as fallen leaves and brush, are dry. These conditions combined together could result in extreme fire behavior and rapid fire growth.
 
Thunderstorms with limited rainfall can also increase the threat for wildfires. When forest fuels are dry, cloud to ground lightning can ignite trees and brush to start forest fires. However, wildfires caused by lightning are rare in the Appalachians and the Ohio Valley. On average, less than one percent of all wildfires in Kentucky are caused by lightning each year. However, in 2007, with a drought and dry fuel in place, an inordinately high number of lightning fires were reported in Kentucky and nearby states.
 
It is important to be alert to the increased threat of wildfires during Red Flag Warning conditions, especially for those whose home is in a forested area, or those planning on visiting forests. Keep in touch with local, state and federal fire or land management agencies, as well as county officials about possible burning restrictions
and preparedness actions.
 
Also, stay abreast of the latest forecast from your National Weather Service by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or visiting the following website: www.crh.noaa.gov/jkl or www.weather.gov or listen to local radio and TV stations.
 
The following are some debris burning safety tips to help protect life and property from wildfires:
 
1. Before burning, contact the Kentucky Division for Air Quality and the Kentucky Division for Waste Management along with county officials to inquire about any burn bans that may be in effect.
 
2. Become familiar with burning laws and regulations. Between February 15th and April 30th and between October 1st and December 15th, Kentucky state law forbids  burning within 150 feet of woodland or brush land, except between 6  PM and 6 AM local time or if the ground is snow covered.
 
3. Before you burn, remember to clear the ground of flammable material to at least 10 feet beyond the area to be burned.
 
4. Keep tools and water on hand while burning and never leave a fire unattended.
 
5. Pay attention to current and forecast weather conditions.
 
6. Stay with the fire until it is out.
 
The topic for Friday will be, a look at the Fall and Spring Fire Weather Seasons. For additional fire weather information, please visit the following website: www.weather.gov/jkl/fire.