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.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued Red Flag Warnings for ten states across the Midwest and South on Friday, with meteorologists warning that any fires started could spread

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.

In Oklahoma, red flag warnings are issued when conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds create a heightened risk of wildfires, urging residents to take extra precautions.

Many wildfires in eastern Oklahoma have already sparked this March, and this week, the state will begin moving toward ‘extreme’ wildfire level risk.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until Monday night for Topeka and the surrounding area. The warning, which was issued by the National Weather Service, will last from noon to 8 p.m. Monday. Low humidity and strong winds were expected for all of north-central,

Warm, dry and windy conditions have combined to make for critical fire weather danger across Iowa. A red flag warning is in effect through 8 p.m. for most of the southern half of the state, including Polk County.