The warning covered Middlesex, Monmouth, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Ocean and Atlantic counties.

“Conditions have fallen below Red Flag Warning criteria. A high risk of fire spread remains possible. See the Special Weather Statement for additional information,” according to the National Weather Service.

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 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. 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. Conscious elimination of smoking materials:

• Dispose of cigarette butts carefully and avoid throwing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly harmless actions can ignite dry grass, 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 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.