MORGAN COUNTY, Ind. – If you’re thinking of starting a bonfire this spring, Indiana emergency officials want to remind you to check your weather warnings first.
Tuesday marks one of the first days of 2018 in which many Indiana counties are under a “fire weather warning.”
A red flag warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
With high temperatures climbing toward the mid-80s in some spots, low humidity levels at 20-25 percent, and winds gusting around 25 miles per hour, the National Weather Service says outdoor burning is not recommended.
Red Flag Warning Noon to 8 PM. Any fires can spread rapidly! Sunny/warm. Afternoon highs 81 to 83. Storm chances by Wed Night. #INwx #nwsind pic.twitter.com/BpGF50hWlQ
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) May 1, 2018
Local emergency-response crews from Martinsville to Paragon are saying it’s a bad idea to light a flame in the high winds. Fires could spread rapidly in that mix of weather conditions.
And as Tuesday likely won’t be the last day this year we’ll see warm temperatures and gusty wind speeds, officials say you should check with the National Weather Service’s alert status for your area before burning anything outdoors.
Morgan County is just one of many under a red flag warning. The full list of affected counties covered by the warning can be found here.
One other important note: Before you start a fire outdoors, make sure to check the outdoor burning regulations in your city or town.
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