Strong, gusty winds, low relative humidity and a readily available fuel supply – those conditions are all coming together to create high fire danger in our area. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning (see info below).
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has issued an advisory about the unhealthy air conditions that could exist over the next few days. Additional information is available here.
Smoke and haze has created conditions that even prompted a few calls to Lincoln Fire and Rescue overnight. LFR Battalion Chief Aaron Pospisil told KLIN News they investigated those calls and found nothing. He also advised against outdoor burning.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Paul Fajman told KLIN News conditions could be similar Saturday.
…RED FLAG WARNING WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN NEBRASKA...
* Winds…South 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* Relative Humidity…As low as 15 percent.
* Impacts…Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.