The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning at 2:50 p.m. Thursday effective for Friday between noon and 7 p.m. for Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Mercer counties.

Residents can expect west winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 28 percent.

“Any fire that develops will spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” comments the weather service.

What does a red warning sign mean?

A red flag warning means 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 should you do in case of a red flag warning?

During a red alarm, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in the event of a fire. The weather service offers these steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire and keep yourself 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. Responsible disposal 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. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

• To protect yourself against accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Drown them with plenty of water and stir to confirm everything is cool to the touch. Immerse the charcoal in the water until it is completely cooled. Never throw activated carbon on the ground.

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.