Why does it mean to be under a ‘Red Flag Warning?'
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City metro is under a Red Flag Warning this week, and law enforcement officers have been sharing posts online in an attempt to inform the public on the precautions they need to take during the windy and dry conditions.
But, even though some may know what a Red Flag Warning is, others might be asking themselves, 'What does this even mean?'
View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4
Well, here's everything you need to know:
According to the , a Red Flag Warning is when 'warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.'
This means that under these conditions, fires can rapidly grow and spread to other high-risk areas, potentially risking people's lives, ecosystems, as well as private and protected property.
The NWS has a variety of safety tips and warnings to keep in mind when your region is under a Red Flag Warning. :
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.
Additionally, here are a few other safety tips provided by the International Association of Fire Chiefs:
Equipment
Avoid using lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
Follow all local fire restrictions on the use of chainsaws, mowers and other equipment during high risk times
Dozens of wildfires burn across Missouri, Kansas as fire danger continues this week Be mindful and follow any fire restrictions or burn bans in your area. Obtain a permit if needed.
Extinguish outdoor fires properly and never leave them unattended. Always drown them with plenty of water.
Soak ashes and charcoal in water and dispose of them in a metal can. These materials can reignite days after a fire or BBQ is extinguished.
Report unattended outdoor fires immediately to 911.
Vehicles
NEVER throw cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle. They can ignite grasses on the side of the road and start a wildland fire.
Do not drive your vehicle in dry tall grass. The underside of your vehicle is hot and can easily ignite grasses from your exhaust muffler.
Ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground.
Lastly, always make sure you are situationally aware. Keep up to date with weather reports from the and monitor your local fire departments for any information about fire risks near you.
If you want to be extra prepared, have a 'GO' bag with any prescription medications, essential documents, money, food, clothes, etc., to ensure you have everything you need in case a fire pops up in your area.
To stay up-to-date on all things Kansas City weather, stay tuned at and download the .
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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