NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Many have enjoyed being outdoors the last couple of days across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky thanks to the beautiful, spring weather. But, the dry conditions with low humidity also can make for dangerous fire conditions.
Low humidity already in place, and with southerly winds expected to pick up to 10-15 mph Thursday with gusts around 30mph, has prompted the National Weather Service in Nashville to issue a Fire Weather Watch late Thursday morning through Thursday evening for all of Middle Tennessee and pieces of Southern Kentucky. The time of this event is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you are a smoker, it is strongly advised to make sure the cigarette is completely out before discarding it. Farmers, construction crews, and anyone who would do a controlled burn are asked to avoid doing so Thursday.
Some counties in Southern Kentucky are under a Red Flag Warning.
Red Flag Warnings are issued when there is a high risk of outdoor fires getting out of control. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
Here's the official definition and action steps per NWS.
- If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire
- Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it
- Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread
