A red flag warning does not necessarily mean there is a fire ongoing – extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly, according to the NWS. If a fire does start, it has the potential to quickly become extreme due to the critical fire weather conditions.

A red flag warning is different than a fire warning. A red flag warning means conditions exist that could lead to a wildfire. A fire warning is issued when there is an active fire spreading that is threatening life and property.

A Red Flag Warning is issued when weather conditions are highly favorable for wildfires and grassfires to start and spread rapidly.