A red flag warning does not necessarily mean there is a fire ongoing – extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly, according to the NWS. If a fire does start, it has the potential to quickly become extreme due to the critical fire weather conditions.

A red flag warning is different than a fire warning. A red flag warning means conditions exist that could lead to a wildfire. A fire warning is issued when there is an active fire spreading that is threatening life and property.

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.

“Exceptionally dangerous” fire weather conditions will develop over North Texas on Friday, March 14, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth.

Texas will experience wind gusts of up to 55 mph in parts on Wednesday, while relative humidity will plummet to as low as six percent.

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

A Red Flag Warning is issued when weather conditions are highly favorable for wildfires and grassfires to start and spread rapidly.

Friday's weather will include damaging wind, blowing dust that reduces visibility and a critical risk of fast-moving fires.