The National Weather Service issued an updated Red Flag Warning at 3:09 a.m. Saturday, effective Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. for Middlesex, Monmouth, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Ocean and Atlantic counties.

Winds are expected to be from the northwest at 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 29 percent.

“The combination of very dry conditions, low relative humidity and gusty winds will result in conditions favorable for fires to spread quickly. Any fires that develop could become difficult to contain, particularly in the Pine Barrens area in New Jersey,” the weather service explains.

What does a red warning sign mean?

A red flag warning indicates severe fire weather conditions are currently occurring or will occur soon, according to the weather service. Warm temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of rapid fire spread.

So, what are the recommended actions to take during a red flag warning?

A red alarm signal requires vigilance and immediate preparation to respond to potential fires. The weather service provides these essential guidelines to minimize fire risks and keep you safe:

1. Secure burn barrels:

• If burning is permitted in your neighborhood, make sure all burn barrels have a weighted metal lid with holes no larger than 3/4 inch.

2. Careful handling of smoking materials:

• Avoid throwing lit cigarette butts randomly and avoid throwing cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These seemingly harmless actions can ignite dry vegetation, potentially causing a wildfire.

3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:

• To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all exterior fires. Smother them with a large deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Immerse the charcoal in the water until it is completely devoid of heat. Never leave activated charcoal unattended.

4. Never give up on a fire:

• Avoid leaving a fire unattended. Even minor embers or embers can be carried into leaves or grass, fanning a fire that can quickly spread.

Understanding the severity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is of paramount importance to avoiding wildfires in these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and take responsibility for protecting lives and property.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.