UPDATE: 'Red Flag' Warning Issued For Baltimore County

UPDATE (11:46 a.m.)—Baltimore County officials say the "red flag" warning continues today.

From Baltimore County Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Armacost:

"The Baltimore County Fire Marshal's Office has canceled permits for open burnings. county regulations stipulate that such permits will be cancelled when winds exceed 15 mph or when the Fire Marshal determines that conditions make it unsafe to burn.   

While outdoor grilling and use of fire pits is not prohibited during red flag warnings, fire officials advise citizens to use extreme caution doing anything involving an open flame -- including disposal of smoking materials -- while these critical fire conditions continue."

ORIGINAL—Baltimore County residents should think twice today before firing up the grill or aimlessly discarding a cigarette. 

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather (or red flag warning) watch until 8 p.m. this evening given current gusty wind speeds and low humidy, which can produce "critical fire weather conditions," according to a release. 

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring now. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity will give fires the potential to grow rapidly," the release states. "Open burning is prohibited in Baltimore County while critical fire conditions continue."

The National Weather Service has provided the following wildfire safety tips to prevent an emergency situation. 

"Fire officials advise citizens to use extreme caution when discarding smoking materials, operating outdoor grills or anything else that involves an open flame," the release goes on to say.