Spring precipitation has been keeping things nice and green in the Falcon area. However, warm and dry weather is inevitable, as are red flag warnings for extremely hot, dry and windy weather. What exactly does a red flag warning mean, and what should people do when one is issued?Red flag warning definedRed flag warnings alert land management agencies and fire departments to an increased risk of extreme fire behavior. The National Weather Service online glossary defines a red flag warning as ìa term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions.îIn other words, conditions are right for one small spark to quickly grow into a major wildfire.Red flag criteria include the following:
- A geographical area has been in a dry spell (about 1-2 weeks), especially prior to spring green-up or after fall colors
- The National Fire Danger Rating System is high to extreme.
- The forecast calls for a sustained average wind speed of 15 mph or greater; relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent; and a temperature of more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
A fire weather watch, which is one step below a red flag warning, also indicates high fire danger.Jennifer Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Pueblo, said that relative humidity is a big component for determining when to issue red flag warnings, as are winds and dry fuels. She added that storm fronts and dry lightning can also be factors in deciding when to issue fire warnings.Stark said that between 2008 and 2013, El Paso County averaged more than 15 red flag warnings each year. She noted that 2012 and 2013 were ìexceptionalî years in terms of weather conditions that triggered red flag warnings. However, 2014 is already showing potential to be just as active, with a dozen such advisories issued between Jan. 1 and May 19.Residents should monitor local media for red flag warnings when weather conditions are warm or hot, windy and dry. The Falcon Fire Protection District also posts advisories on Facebook (http://facebook.com/pages/FALCON-FIRE-DEPARTMENT) and Twitter (@FalconFireDept).
What to do in red flag conditionsFirefighters take red flag warnings and fire weather watches seriously, and residents should, too.To prevent a fire on red flag days:
- Avoid open burning.
- Fully extinguish and properly dispose of smoking materials.
- Use caution with power equipment or tools that could create a spark.
- Do not park vehicles in dry grass or weeds.
In addition to taking steps to prevent a fire, FFPD encourages residents to also think about red flag warnings as prompts to improve their personal wildfire preparedness. Wildfires cannot be predicted, but people can prepare for them in advance to improve their homesí survivability.
- Review and update home inventories and evacuation plans.
- Ensure ownership records for pets and livestock are current.
- Make sure all household members know what to do, what to take and where to go if an evacuation is ordered.
Ready, Set, Go!The Falcon Fire Protection District has officially joined hundreds of other fire departments, including the Colorado Springs Fire Department, as a Ready, Set, Go! participant. The district will be able to access free community education materials related to creating wildland-fire-safe communities.The Ready, Set, Go! website at http://wildlandfirersg.org describes the preparedness and response actions necessary in the event of a wildfire.
Ready: Be ready, be firewise.- Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so homes are ready in case of fire.
- Create defensible space by clearing vegetation away from structures.
- Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden the home with fire-safe construction measures.
- Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place.
- Plan escape routes and make sure everyone residing in the home knows the plan of action.
Set: Situational awareness.- Pack emergency items.
- Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, fire departments, and public safety agencies.
Go: Act early!Follow personal wildland fire action plans to support personal safety and allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.††For more information on preparing for wildfire, go to the FFPD website: http://falconfirepd.org. Disaster preparedness information can also be found at http://readycolorado.com and http://ready.gov.
Upcoming eventsLearn CPR – save a life! FFPD is hosting a CPR class Saturday, June 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at FFPD Station 1, 12072 Royal County Down Road in Falcon. The class is open to residents and non-residents, and there is a small fee. Space is limited, so register soon by calling Gretchen at 719-495-4050.
Falcon Freedom Days ñ July 3: FFPD will be on site with a static display of equipment. The El Paso Teller E911 Safety Trailer will also be there.
