IW, Surry under ‘red flag’ weather warning; here’s what that means
Published 9:46 am Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Isle of Wight and Surry counties are under a “red flag warning” from noon through 8 p.m. today.
According to the National Weather Service, the warning indicates warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle, the NWS warns. They may invite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
Dunk charcoal in water until cold, and do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Extinguish all outdoor fires with plenty of water and make sure everything is cold to the touch.
State forestry laws prohibit open burning before 4 p.m. from Feb. 15 through April 30. All burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch, the NWS states.