ST. GEORGE — Several fire-related weather advisories impacting Southern Utah are in effect or will go into effect between Thursday and Monday, according to several news releases issued by the National Weather Service.
The original Red Flag Warning was to run through 9 p.m. Thursday; however; the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Fire Weather Watch due to triple-digit temperatures, wind and low relative humidity, which will be in effect from Saturday morning through Monday evening.
According to the weather service, “Critical fire weather conditions are likely to occur. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.”
Between Thursday and Monday, temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees, with 10-25 mph winds and gusts of up to 45 mph Sunday-Monday. Additionally, relative humidity could reach as low as 5%, the NWS news release said.
Fire Weather Zone 498, which includes portions of Washington, Kane and Garfield counties extending east of Kanab to Telegraph Flat, was specifically mentioned in the Red Flag Alert issued Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch, however, was issued Thursday for this same area and runs Saturday through Monday.
Meanwhile, Fire Weather Zone 497, which exclusively covers a portion of Washington County and St. George, will be under a Fire Weather Watch Sunday morning through Monday evening as high temperatures, wind and low relative humidity could continue to produce Red Flag conditions.
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. It comes with the following reminders from the NWS:
- If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
- Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
According to the weather service, a Fire Weather Watch means that there is a potential for critical fire weather conditions, as well as the following and is issued anytime the area has been dry for substantial amount of time (or for a shorter period during spring green-up or after fall color), the National Fire Danger Rating System is high to extreme, and critical weather conditions are expected within the next 48 hours. These critical elements are:
- sustained winds averaging 15 mph or greater.
- relative humidity 25 percent or less.
- temperature 75°F or greater.
