Union City, Tennessee

... Fire weather/fire prevention awareness week continues today with a
look at understanding how weather conditions affect fire behavior...

Weather is one of the most significant factors in determining the
spread rate and intensity of fires. Two of the most important weather
parameters are wind and relative humidity. In general... the higher
the wind speed and lower the relative humidity... the greater the
potential and intensity of fires. Windy conditions will help in
spreading the fire... while lower humidities will quickly dry out
vegetation... such as leaves and branches... making wildfires harder
to contain.

Forecasting changes in wind direction is also very important to
fighting wildfires. A change in wind direction will make the fire
spread in a different direction... which could place life and
property in harms way. Precipitation amounts and duration are very
important in determining the fire potential. Rain and snow will wet
down vegetation making fire ignition and burning more difficult...
while making the containment of wildfires easier.

Residents whose homes are in forested areas or those who plan on
visiting area forests should keep abreast of the latest forecast
from your National Weather Service office. Keep in touch with local
land management agencies about possible burn restrictions and
preparedness actions... especially during prolonged dry conditions.

Here are websites to visit to obtain information about fire safety
and burning restrictions.

Across the U.S... www.Firesafety.Gov .

In Tennessee... www.Burnsafetn.Org .
In Mississippi... www.Mfc.State.MS.US .
In Arkansas... www.Forestry.State.AR.US .
In Missouri... www.Mdc.MO.Gov/Forest .

Children can also play a major role in preventing fires by
remembering the following safety tips:

1. Never play with matches... lighters... flammable liquids... or
   any fire!

2. Tell your friends about fire prevention.

3. Tell an adult right away if you see smoke... find matches... or see
   someone playing with matches.

4. Stay calm during an emergency and listen to instructions from an
   adult. Remember... smokey bear needs your help to spread the word
   that... only you can prevent Forest fires.

The next topic for Wednesday will be... drought and its effects
on wildfires.

&&

For additional fire weather information... please go to the following
website: www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/Meg/firewx.Php .