Red Flag Warning Issued for Pine Ridge and Nebraska National Forest Through Thursday Evening
NWS Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag Warning for fire weather zones 434 and 435, citing wind gusts up to 75 mph and low humidity levels that could lead to rapid fire spread.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions. The alert is currently in effect and is classified as a severe threat with likely certainty.
Affected Areas
The warning covers fire weather zones 434 and 435. Specific geographic regions include:
- Pine Ridge and the Nebraska National Forest
- Box Butte
- South Sioux
- Niobrara River
What You Should Do
Outdoor burning is strictly not recommended during this period. Residents and visitors in the affected zones should prepare for critical fire conditions. A Red Flag Warning indicates that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop under these conditions will likely spread rapidly.
Expected Conditions
- Wind: West winds ranging from 30 to 50 mph, with powerful gusts reaching up to 75 mph.
- Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to drop to between 17 and 22 percent.
- Hazards: The primary hazard is the potential for rapid fire spread due to the extreme wind speeds and dry air.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective as of 11:39 AM MDT on March 12, 2026. The warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 9:00 PM MDT this evening.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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