How to prevent wildfires during high risk weekend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday due to dry conditions, low humidity and high winds.

A red flag warning is issued when weather conditions are highly favorable for wildfires and grassfires to start and spread rapidly.

“We’ve got a couple of things coming together just right to make us more concerned about the possible spread of fires," said ValleyStormTeam Weathercaster Craig Verley. "We’ve got a lot of very dry vegetation out there and then you add in a lot of dry air and breezy conditions and warm temperatures on top of that and that means any small spark can start a fire really quickly and spread that much faster.”

The red flag warning was upgraded from a fire watch warning by the National Weather Service Friday afternoon. Rocky Gonzalez, a Harlingen Fire lieutenant, said the red flag warning means outdoor burning is prohibited.

"We have high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds so if a fire does start, you’re going to have a rapid spread," he said.

In order to prevent the start and spread of wildfires, Gonzalez said you should take a look at your backyard vegetation and make sure to pick up any dead leaves and branches.

“If you’re a smoker, don’t throw your cigarettes on the ground, if you’re smoking in your car don’t throw your cigarettes out the window," Gonzalez said. "Around your home, if you have any dry grass or vegetation, you want to make sure you try to clear all that brush off your yard.”

Other tips to follow during a red flag warning include making sure your trailers aren't dragging chains on the road because it can start a spark that can ignite in dry grass. You should also avoid driving in tall dry grass