The Randolph Fire Department shares that the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning at 8 a.m. Friday. The National Weather Service announces Red Flag Warnings when dry, hot, and windy weather creates the potential for “extreme fire behavior.”
Friday’s forecast calls for temperatures up to 80 degrees, with winds of 10-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Combined with the recent dry spell, these conditions mean that fires will spread quickly and become more difficult to extinguish. Items such as dead limbs, trees, and logs can ignite with little difficulty.
Numerous brush fires across the state have been difficult to contain. Serious fires start with small things, such as a spark from a chainsaw, a lawnmower striking a rock, or even mulching leaves. The Department reminds the community that outdoor burning is currently not allowed. We ask residents to refrain from starting outdoor flames or from any work in which a spark may be created.
Even if the Red Flag conditions subside, the entire region will remain at an elevated fire risk until substantial precipitation occurs.