Many wildfires in eastern Oklahoma have already sparked this March, and this week, the state will begin moving toward ‘extreme’ wildfire level risk.

In Oklahoma, red flag warnings are issued when conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds create a heightened risk of wildfires, urging residents to take extra precautions.

Red flag warnings are issued when there is a dangerous combination of weather conditions coming together over a certain area that could lead to rapid growth and spread of a fire. Think of how a tornado watch works, conditions are favorable, and the area is being monitored for development.