Red Flag Warning Issued for Cherokee County Saturday

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. – The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Red Flag Warning for Cherokee County and surrounding areas from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Authorities are warning of critical fire weather conditions, with northeast winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour and gusts up to 30 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 18 percent. The combination of dry air and gusty winds will make it easier for fires to start and spread rapidly.

Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. Residents are urged not to burn debris or trash, to never leave grills or fire pits unattended, and to properly dispose of smoking materials. Officials caution that any fire that develops can quickly become uncontrollable under these conditions.

This is a serious situation, and residents are urged to take the warning seriously to help protect the community and first responders.