A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.  Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Downed power lines could lead to new fires.

During extreme fire weather, firefighters will raise a red triangle-shaped fire weather flag at the Kensington fire station.  In addition, signs are put out along Arlington Avenue at the Moeser Lane, Highland Avenue, Amherst Avenue and in front of the fire station.

The flags and signs are intended to alert citizens that extreme fire conditions are present.  High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds combine to create conditions that are conducive for wildland fire ignition and propagation.  When weather conditions like these reach critical levels, we all need to take extra precautions.

In a proactive effort, a fourth person is added to staffing at the Kensington station during Red Flag Days.  Additional staffing allows the engine to deploy their firefighting resources in a more time effective manner and will also enable them to extinguish wildland fires when they are much smaller.