On Friday at 7:05 p.m., a red flag was issued by the National Weather Service, valid for Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for Berkshire County.

Expect northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity as low as 40 percent.

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

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?

During a red alarm, it is essential 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. Strengthen the safety of the burn barrel:

• 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:

• 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. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

• 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 any fire unattended. Even minor sparks or floating embers can fan nearby foliage or grass, starting a fire that spreads quickly.

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.