Red Flag warning issued for Natchitoches Parish through 8 pm on Tuesday

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for areas near and south of I-20 due to increasingly dry fuels and partner concerns. It will remain in effect until 8 pm on Aug. 22, for critical to extreme fire weather conditions in Northern and Central Louisiana.

* WINDS…East to southeast with sustained speeds of 10 to 15 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 24 percent.

* TEMPERATURES…Up to 107 degrees.

* IMPACTS…Rapid ignition and spread of wildfires is possible due to persistent hot and dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Avoid all outside burning and welding today. Do not toss lit cigarette butts outside. Report wild fires to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office.

Pictured: Someone discarded a cigarette from their vehicle while driving on Williams Avenue. The still smoldering portion of the cigarette lit a front yard on fire, luckily a neighbor put it out.