A swath of parishes around Baton Rouge spent Saturday under a Red Flag Warning, with firefighters and residents on high alert as forecasters warned that even a tiny spark could turn into a fast-moving blaze during the late-morning and afternoon window.
Where the warning is in effect
The advisory, in effect Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., covers Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Washington, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Assumption, Tangipahoa, Livingston and Ascension parishes, according to WBRZ. Local officials are asking residents in those areas to hold off on any outdoor burning while the warning is in place.
Why forecasters are concerned
The setup has all the ingredients fire managers hate to see at once: dry air and gusty northwest winds that push relative humidity down and send wind speeds up, a combination that can help a wildfire spread far faster than usual. The National Weather Service office that serves the New Orleans and Baton Rouge region notes that Red Flag criteria in Louisiana generally include relative humidity near or below about 25% and sustained winds around 25 mph or higher, conditions that significantly increase the odds that new fires will grow quickly, according to the National Weather Service.
How to stay safe
Officials and local fire chiefs are urging residents to skip any outdoor burning and to be extra careful with anything that can throw a spark, as reported by WBRZ. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is also advising against open burning during Red Flag conditions and offers safety tips aimed at cutting down on accidental ignitions: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Anyone who spots smoke or an uncontrolled fire is urged to call 911 and notify their local fire department right away.
Where to get updates
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local forecasts and the National Weather Service for any extensions, cancellations or new fire-weather watches. The federal warning page and parish emergency channels will carry the latest advisories and any burn-ban details: National Weather Service.
