National Weather Service Issues 'Red Flag' Fire Warning for Area

Update 1:11 p.m.:

Just weeks ago, one might have wondered if the ground would ever emerge from its thick blanket of snow, but the now-dry forest floors pose another risk.

As relative humidity is expected to fall below 30 percent by 11 a.m. this morning and the ground remains dry after three days with no rain, the potential for the rapid spread of brush fires in the area has caused the National Weather Service to issue a "Red Flag Warning," about weather conditions in which fires, particularly brush fires, can spread rapidly.

Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said this afternoon that since Norwalk doesn't have many large areas of open space, these warnings mean much less in the city than they do in more rural areas. However, a fire at 25 Powderhorn Road Sunday night seemed to be further developed by winds, he said. Wind tends to be a more serious concern than dryness, he said.

Two pressure systems north of Connecticut are expected to result in strong winds up to 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 to 30 mph, reinforcing the dry air, according to the Red Flag report issued at 4:06 a.m. Monday. The weather service's specific forecast for Norwalk states that winds today are expected to be between 18 and 20 mph., with a high temperature of 45 degrees.

The conditions are expected to aid in the rapid spread of brush fires if any develop throughout the day. The warning was issued for all of southern Connecticut and most of the New York metropolitan area.

If you see any signs of brush fire, call the Fire Department to have it checked out.