Communities to the north and west of San Antonio will be under a Red Flag warning for much of Thursday.
SAN ANTONIO — IMPACT DAYS: Thursday, Feb. 26
Reason: Fire danger for communities north and west of San Antonio
The breakdown
More dry, windy and unusually hot February weather in South-Central Texas is creating fire dangers in the region.
For the second time in a week, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of our area, indicating “critical fire conditions.” The warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, and while it doesn’t impact San Antonio, the warning area does include much of the Hill Country as well as communities stretching west to Val Verde County and south to Dimmitt.
Bexar County, meanwhile, still faces a high fire danger on Thursday.
According to the NWS, winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts reaching 25 mph will exacerbate the fire danger, accompanied by low humidity levels and afternoon highs in the mid-90s in some areas. Fire crews in Gillespie and Llano counties were hard at work extinguishing wildfires Wednesday, including one that charred more than 1,100 acres.
Outdoor burning isn’t recommended if you’re in the Red Flag Warning area.
The NWS recommends these other tips to avoid fire danger this weekend:
- Clear a 10-foot radius around campfires and never leave them unattended. When done, extinguish fires properly and thoroughly.
- Use grills and smokers on gravel or paved surfaces.
- Never toss lit cigarettes on the ground and expose of used cigarettes properly.
- Keep water stored in containers near campfires, fire pits, grills, smokers and burning brush.
- Make sure your vehicle tires and brakes are in good condition, and don’t drive on dry grass or brush.
- Water your lawn and keep grass cut. Mow your lawn early in the morning when it’s not windy or overly dry.
Looking ahead
The next chance for measurable rain won’t arrive until next Tuesday.
This is a developing weather event. Refresh the page for the latest updates.