‘Red Flag Warning’ Affects Multiple States Amid Fire Risk

Multiple states across the American midwest are under a serious threat for fire this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has issued its "Red Flag Warning" for several counties in Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico. The warning indicates that conditions conducive to fires are present, and that those who live in the areas covered by the warnings should be under high alert.

The NWS says that the "warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds" in areas under the warning combine to produce a greater fire risk, with wind gusts in certain areas that could exceed 70 miles per hour.

The areas are experiencing unseasonably warm weather after an extended period of cold. When that warm air combines with the dry conditions across these regions, the risk for fire increases exponentially.

Fire Safety Tips From Leading Expert Amid Warning

With the risk of fire becoming more apparent in several areas around the country, Men's Journal recently interviewed Kidde Senior Manager of Communication and Fire Safety Educator Stephanie Berzinski.

Berzinski outlined her top tips for fire safety at a time of year when the risk is higher than many realize.

The expert noted that heating fires are at their peak during the winter, and that half of all home equipment heating fires happen between December and February.

Many families and homeowners use portable heating mechanisms and generators, and Berzinski noted that those too can be dangerous if the proper care is not taken.

Berzinski says that appliances should be inspected annually, and that vents should be clear of any obstructions, including snow. She says that ovens and portable generators should never be used to heat a home, and that generators need to be at least 20 feet from a home to constitute a safe distance.

Varied Dangers of Winter Fires, CO Poisoning

Winter fires have also become increasingly common as climate change affects more regions around the country.

Warmer climates - especially in the west coast and along the American plains - have dried out vegetation. When those dry crops come into contact with major wind events or cycles of air, they can essentially turn into fuel for wildfires.

As we've seen in areas like the Palisades, wildfires can spread quickly, leading to property damage and in some cases, the loss of life.

Experts like Berzinski are urging people to make smart choices when it comes to fire safety, and that sometimes means stopping fires before they even start - or taking care to avoid extremely dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Always be prepared with a working CO alarm, no matter where you are," she said. "These devices will allow you to take action against CO sooner and help protect you, your family and your pets."