The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan issued a Red Flag Warning this Saturday for several sectors of southern and western Puerto Rico due to conditions favorable for rapid fire development and spread. The warning is in effect until 5:00 PM, with the greatest danger expected from the late morning hours through the afternoon.
The NWS stated that any fire that starts could spread quickly and urged residents to avoid outdoor burning. The agency also advised the public not to throw cigarette butts on the ground, to avoid leaving flammable materials in dry areas, and reminded residents that open-field burning is prohibited in Puerto Rico. According to the NWS, a Red Flag Warning is issued when environmental factors increase the likelihood that a fire could start and spread rapidly, requiring greater caution from the population.