Fire Weather Zone Forecast

The National Weather Service establishes Fire Weather Zones based on local geography, topography, weather conditions and fuel types. The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. Definitions of a Fire Weather Watch and a Red Flag Warning A fire weather watch or red flag warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger. These products are written for land and fire managers to highlight the increased fire danger. Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings. Criteria may include: Sustained 20 foot winds of 20 mph or higher. Afternoon relative humidity less than 25%. 10 hour fuel moisture at 8% or less for one day. A fire weather watch is issued up to 72 hours before the above conditions are expected to occur. A red flag warning is issued when the conditions above are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours. A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high. The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above. During heightened fire danger, ICFPD will monitor conditions, respond with more fire engines and request additional mutual aid staff and equipment to respond to any new fires. ICFPD urges everyone to be extremely cautious, especially during periods of high fire danger. It's important all residents and visitors take steps to prevent wildfires. One less spark could mean one less wildfire.