'Critical' Fire Warning Issued in 7 States Monday

Ice, snow and freezing temperatures aren't the only winter weather conditions Americans have to worry about. Depending on where you live, this time of the year is also ripe for potentially serious fires.

On Monday, seven states are under a Red Flag Warning, courtesy of the National Weather Service. The most severe fire alert the NWS can issue, a Red Flag Warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly."

When is a Red Flag Warning issued?

According to Weather.gov, a A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is called for "when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger."

"These products are written for land and fire managers to highlight the increased fire danger," the NWS says.

A Red Flag Warning is issued when the dangerous conditions are "expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours."

Which states are under a Red Flag Warning?

As of Monday morning, the following seven states are under the alert: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming.

The specific areas in those states that are part of the Red Flag Warning include:

• Fire weather zones 430, 431, 432, 433 in Wyoming. Fire weather zones 204, 206, 209, 434, 435, 436, 437 in Nebraska.
• Greeley, Howard, Mitchell, Osborne, Rooks, Sherman and Valley Counties in Nebraska.
• Ellis, Harper, Roger Mills and Woodward Counties in Oklahoma.
• Fire Weather Zones 221, 222, 225, 228, 229, 230, 233, 237, 238 and 242 in Colorado.
• Fire Weather Zones 061-63, 074-078 and 084-088 in Kansas.
• Most of northeastern and east central New Mexico.
• The Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, except for the southeastern Texas Panhandle

"A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures will create favorable weather for rapid fire growth and spread. Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks," the alert says.