Latest news with #FireWeatherWatch
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
New Mexico wildfires force evacuations, spark air quality alerts
Two large wildfires burning in southwestern New Mexico remain 0% contained as intense heat, wind and drought continue to fuel dangerous fire conditions. The Trout Fire, located 12 miles north of Silver City-about 150 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas- has burned 18,278 acres since it was first reported on June 12, according to New Mexico Fire Information. The blaze has triggered evacuation orders for at least 350 homes. "These fires are being fueled by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and very dry vegetation. Low snowpack across the Southwest last winter left the region primed for early-season fire activity," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. More than 600 personnel are working to contain the Trout Fire. Crews are using direct handlines and dozer lines to fight the flames, while helicopters assist with water and retardant drops when conditions allow. But the weather continues to complicate efforts, especially at night. "Usually humidity rises overnight and helps us out," Stefan La-Sky, spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said. "But it's remained dry. So we're seeing considerable fire movement even during the night, which we usually don't see." The fire's cause is under investigation. Buck Fire continues to spread About 120 miles to the north, the Buck Fire has burned over 35,000 acres near Aragon, New Mexico. Lightning sparked the fire on June 11, and it continues to spread in grass and timber despite aggressive suppression efforts. Air resources have been key to limiting fire progression along the northern flanks, especially as gusty, erratic winds fueled additional growth Sunday and Monday. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Tuesday as hot, dry conditions persist and winds remain a significant concern. Both fires have prompted area closures and trail shutdowns. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has asked hikers to avoid sections near the Buck Fire for safety. Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation notices and avoid flying drones in the fire area. "If you fly, we can't," they warned, referencing the risk drones pose to firefighting aircraft. Temperatures in the region remain in the low to mid-90s with extremely low humidity. Winds will begin increasing as red flag conditions move into the region. "Winds across western New Mexico are expected to pick up Friday and remain gusty through next Wednesday. That's going to be a major concern, especially with both fires still at 0% containment," Pastelok said. Wildfire smoke sparks air quality concerns Air quality concerns are also growing as smoke becomes more visible from highways and nearby communities. "Smoke from these fires has already been affecting air quality across the region. Albuquerque will likely see impacts through the rest of the week, and Denver could be affected by the weekend," Pastelok noted. An air quality alert has been issued for parts of Grant County due to smoke from the Trout Fire. Hazardous air quality levels are expected through midday Wednesday. Areas most affected include the Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway 35, as well as along Highway 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo. Health officials urge everyone to avoid outdoor exertion. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should remain indoors. Those with heart conditions experiencing symptoms like a fast pulse, shortness of breath or unusual weakness are advised to contact their healthcare provider.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Live Blog: NWS issues its First Red Flag Warning of the season
( — The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Northern and Central Sacramento Valley on Thursday, but it has since been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. The warning is expected to last until Monday at 8 p.m. NWS stated the humidity level will be between 15 to 25 percent, with the highest threat set to be in Central and Southern Sacramento Valley, along and west of the I-5 corridor, and the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Modesto PD to conduct DUI checkpoint Friday night
( Modesto Police Department is holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday at 8 p.m. at an undisclosed location. According to MPD, DUI checkpoint locations are based on the data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The main point of these checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. National Weather Service issues a Fire Weather Watch for Sacramento region 'Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,' Sergeant Robert Hall said. 'Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.' MPD stated that they want to remind the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. There are some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs that may interfere with driving. MPD said, 'While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.' Drivers that have been charged with a first-time DUI will face an average of $13,500 fines and penalties as well as a suspended license, stated MPD. MPD said the funding of this program was by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Weather Service issues a Fire Weather Watch for Sacramento region
( — The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Northern and Central Sacramento Valley starting Sunday morning due to strong winds coming in from the north. The NWS stated that the watch will last until Monday at 8 p.m. According to Chief Meteorologist Adam Epstein, the recent warm weather has dried out vegetation below 1000 feet in elevation. Grasses have become fuel for fires. If a fire starts, windy conditions on Sunday and Monday could quickly spread the flames. Northerly gusts of 20-35 mph are forecast, with the strongest winds likely to occur on Monday. NWS officials said the Fire Weather Watch is being issued due to the combination of gusty winds and low humidity, which can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Outdoor burning is not recommended while the Watch is in effect. NWS shares some Fire Weather safety: Proper disposal of cigarettes and matches Avoid power equipment that creates sparks Make sure no vehicle parts drag on growing, including towing chains Do not park your vehicle over dry grass and vegetation Starting next week, the Sacramento region can expect to experience consistent 90-degree high temperatures, according to the NWS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Beyond the Forecast: What are ‘Fire Weather Watches' and ‘Red Flag Warnings'?
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) upgraded the fire danger risk for numerous counties across the state, including placing Langlade and northern Marinette counties under an 'extreme' fire danger classification. That shift in risk level was quickly followed by the National Weather Service issuing a Fire Weather Watch, which was later elevated to a Red Flag Warning for 21 counties in total. 21 northern Wisconsin counties under warning from DNR face extreme wildfire conditions But what do these alerts mean? 'Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches are a fire prevention tool to increase public awareness of the conditions and to assist in preventing human-caused fires,' explained Angela Rogers, the DNR's Oconto Falls team leader. 'Extreme fire danger is defined as explosive conditions, which is the worst possible fire danger that we can have here.' Several weather and environmental factors go into determining wildfire risk. Among them: dry ground from limited rainfall, low relative humidity levels below 25%, strong surface winds above 50 miles per hour, and temperatures warmer than 75 degrees. When these conditions align, Rogers urges the public to be extremely careful with any activity that could ignite a fire. 'What the public can do is avoid any burning — we really recommend not starting any fires,' said Rogers. 'Be cautious when mowing the lawn, using equipment such as chainsaws, smoking, grilling, or disposing of ashes. Make sure everything is out. In these windy, dry conditions, it's easy to spark a fire.' In a press release, the Wisconsin DNR said they responded to 100 wildfires in the past week alone, many in northern Wisconsin. That spike in fire activity led officials to raise the risk level from 'very high' to 'extreme.' The National Weather Service told Local 5 News that Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches remain rare. Since 2006, the NWS has issued just 21 Red Flag Warnings and 16 Fire Weather Watches for the region. Although areas such as Green Bay, the Fox Cities, and the lakeshore are not currently in the 'extreme' category, they are still classified under 'high' or 'very high' risk levels. Rogers said that even those areas should take the alerts seriously. 'It's not a bad idea to be extra cautious. Understand that in these elevated conditions, fires will start and spread very rapidly,' Rogers said. Green Bay fire and police teams work together to rescue baby raccoons Dry marshlands and invasive phragmites are especially vulnerable, but even fast-burning green grass fires are becoming more frequent. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on current fire conditions and local burn regulations by visiting the Wisconsin DNR's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
