The Ipswich Fire Department shares that the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning beginning at 8 a.m. Friday. The National Weather Service announces red flag warnings when dry, hot, and windy weather creates the potential for “extreme fire behavior.”
Friday’s forecast calls for temperatures up to 80 degrees, with winds of 10-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. These conditions, combined with the recent dry spell, means that fires will spread quickly and become more difficult to extinguish. Items such as dead limbs, trees, and logs can ignite with little difficulty.
There are numerous brush fires across the state that have been difficult to contain. Serious fires are being started by small things such as a spark from a chain saw, a lawnmower striking a rock, and even mulching leaves.The Department reminds the community that outdoor burning is currently not allowed. We ask residents to refrain from starting outdoor flames, or from any work in which a spark may be created.
Even if the Red Flag conditions subside, the entire region is still under an elevated fire risk until we see some substantial precipitation, and dry and windy conditions are forecast to continue through the weekend.