FIRE— A combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity has created near-critical fire weather conditions that will remain this week and into the beginning of next week. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), elevated fire weather conditions will go through the weekend, continuing the elevated fire weather threat although uncertainty still remains.
Conditions worsened this past two months as less than an inch and a half of precipitation was recorded in the Broken Bow area. In August, the NWS reported .53 in of precipitation which was 1.34in less than normal. Similar conditions were also reported in September where .91in of precipitation fell which was 1.70in less than normal for the month.
Know Your Risk: If you are planning on doing an agricultural burn, call your local NWS office for a forecast! The professionals do it, so can you! Do not burn on windy and dry days.
– Many counties require a burn permit. Call your local authorities to see if one is required for your area, and to notify them of your burn. This can help prevent false alarm calls to the fire department.
– A Fire Weather Watch is issued when the grasses and trees are dry enough to support large fire growth AND the weather elements are expected to encourage it as well.
– A Red Flag Warning is issued when the grasses and trees are critically dry and the weather conditions would support a fire growing out of control if started. Be extra careful with fire on these days! Do not burn!
Learn Before You Burn – do not burn on dry & windy days, call the NWS for a forecast first!
Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. In a wildfire, every second counts.
Here are some helpful tips from the American Red Cross on staying prepared during the fire season and what to do after a fire:
Supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply)
- Food—nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply)
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed
What should I do to prepare ahead of time?
- Learn about wildfire risks in your area.
- Talk with members of your household about wildfires—how to prevent them and what to do if one occurs.
- Post emergency phone numbers by every phone in your home.
- Make sure driveway entrances and your house number or address are clearly marked.
- Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home, such as a small pond, cistern, well, or swimming pool.
- Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, hand saw or chain saw, bucket, and shovel. You may need to fight small fires before emergency responders arrive.
- Select building materials and plants that resist fire.
- Regularly clean roofs and gutters. Plan ahead and stay as safe as possible during a wildfire.
- Plan and practice two ways out of your neighborhood in case your primary route is blocked.
- Select a place for family members to meet outside your neighborhood in case you cannot get home or need to evacuate.
- Identify someone who is out of the area to contact if local phone lines are not working.
What should I do if there are reports of wildfires in my area?
- Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
- Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
- Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
- Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area. Limit exposure to smoke and dust.
- Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
- Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
- Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
- When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
- If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider’s advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.
Returning home after a wildfire…
- Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe.
- Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.
- Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires.
- Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety—warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits also.
- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or hooves.
- Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
- Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
- Wear leather gloves and heavy-soled shoes to protect hands and feet.
- Cleaning products, paint, batteries, and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk. Ensure your food and water are safe.
- Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
- Do NOT ever use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
Let Your Family Know You’re Safe
If your community has experienced a wildfire, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GETINFO to register yourself and your family.
