The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning at 10:39 a.m. Saturday, in effect until 7 p.m. for Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex and Union counties.

Winds are expected to be from the northwest between 10 and 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 24 percent.

“Fire spreads quickly in the event of ignition,” adds the meteorological service.

What does a red flag warning mean?

A Red Flag Warning means severe fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be in effect shortly, as indicated by 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 steps should you 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 area, make sure all burn barrels have a weighted metal lid, with holes no larger than 3/4 inch.

2. Careful handling of smoking materials:

• Never throw lit cigarette butts outside and avoid throwing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly minor actions can lead to dry grass igniting, potentially starting 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 leave fires unattended:

• Avoid leaving a fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, starting a fire that spreads quickly.

Understanding the severity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is essential to reducing the risk of wildfires in these dangerous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed and act responsibly to protect 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.