The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for Friday from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. CDT for the entire WAKO listening area. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring throughout the region. The combination of wind, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will lead to an increase in the risk of flash fires. People are being discouraged from outdoor burning during the period. Care should also be used when camping outdoors, discarding cigarettes and in field harvest work where hot farm machinery can spark fires in dry vegetation. In a related note, Jasper County Illinois officials have instituted a “No Burn Ban” until further notice due to the conditions.