Firefighters Battle Rash of Brush Fires During Red Flag Warning

COVENTRY, RI—Firefighters across the state were kept busy putting out brush fires during a windy Saturday marked by a Red Flag Warning.

A particularly gusty day helped fan flames in Cranston, East Greenwich, West Warwick, Providence and Coventry.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

A Red Flag Warning indicates extreme risk for fires thanks to a combination of wind, low humidity and general dryness of brush and wooded areas.

In Cranston, firefighters fought brush fires off Scituate Farms Drive, Plainfield Pike and scattered mulch fires, likely caused by careless smokers flicking lit cigarette butts out of their car windows.

In Coventry, a brush fire broke out near the Home Depot; East Greenwich and West Warwick firefighters fought a fire off Crompton Avenue, to name just a few others.

With wind gusts up to 35 mph, firefighters said that fighting brush fires is challenging since they can move quickly through wooded areas and out of reach of hoses.

Residents are reminded to be extremely careful disposing of ashes and smoking materials, especially during Red Flag Warnings.