Red Flag Warning takes effect at noon

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the viewing area that will be in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

What does it mean?

A fed flag warning means conditions are favorable for rapid fire growth. Burning outdoors is highly discouraged in conditions like we'll be tracking this afternoon. Even things such as putting out cigarettes properly, securing loose chains on trailers and avoiding parking hot vehicles over dry grass help firefighters out tremendously.

What is needed for a Red Flag Warning?

There are two general ingredients that are needed to prompt a red flag warning -- dry and windy conditions. The National Weather Service has set parameters as to how dry, and how windy:

• Sustained winds of 15 mph+
• Relative humidity less than 25%
• 10-hour dead fuel moisture less than 9%