Marshfield Fire Chief Talks About Red Flag Warning

Lately, high winds and dry conditions have prompted Red Flag Warnings to be issued.

Marshfield Fire Protection Chief Michael Taylor says “high winds and dry air is a real concern.” Red Flag Warnings are popping up on weather apps and social media. 

Taylor says “it’s this time of year, late winter and early spring is when the grass is dead and the brush is dry.” Sometimes it’s what he calls “freeze dried.” Add in low humidity — below 25 percent — and strong winds, and you’ve got trouble waiting to happen.”

It’s not always about drought, he says. That can play a part. But mostly it’s the mix of dry vegetation and wind that turns a simple burn pile into something a whole lot worse.

When those red flag warnings are issued, they come from the National Weather Service. They’re shared by meteorologists. Posted online, passed around on Facebook, and now, they’re also posted right outside the fire station.

If you’ve driven by the Marshfield Fire Protection District building lately, you’ve probably seen it. A sign out front. A meter. Different colors. It runs from mild all the way up to extreme.

“By driving by, you’re able to see that visual cue of if it’s a good day to burn or not,” Taylor says. Firefighters check with the National Weather Service every morning. Sometimes they compare it with data from the U.S. Geological Survey, just to be sure. They don’t make the call themselves. They rely on the data — humidity levels, wind speed, drought conditions — and then update the sign.

Last spring was rough. A lot of brush fires. Some damaged homes. Some spread to neighboring properties. 

You can check the fire danger level online at marshfieldfire.com as well as the National Weather Service in Springfield. 

“Fire escapes people’s control really, really quick,” he says. “It just takes a second.”

One gust of wind. One moment of looking away. On a red flag day, that’s enough. Flames can outrun a garden hose. 

They can get ahead of the fire trucks. And suddenly it’s not just your brush pile. It’s your shed. Your fence. Your neighbor’s house.

So if the wind is up and the air feels dry, maybe hold off. Wait for a calmer day. Check the sign.