Red Flag Warning Issued for Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi Due to Critical Fire Conditions

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Red Flag Warning for dangerous fire conditions. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are expected to occur, characterized by a combination of strong winds and low relative humidity that can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts a wide geographic area across Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, including the following regions:

• Louisiana Parishes: Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Washington, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Assumption, St. James, St. John The Baptist, Upper Lafourche, St. Charles, Upper St. Bernard, Upper Terrebonne, Lower Terrebonne, Lower Lafourche, Coastal Jefferson, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Northern Tangipahoa, Southeast St. Tammany, Western Orleans, Eastern Orleans, Northern St. Tammany, Southwestern St. Tammany, Central Tangipahoa, Lower Tangipahoa, Northern Livingston, Southern Livingston, Western Ascension, Eastern Ascension, Upper Jefferson, Lower Jefferson, Upper Plaquemines, and Central Plaquemines.
• Mississippi Counties: Wilkinson, Amite, Pike, Walthall, Pearl River, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised that outdoor burning is not recommended. Any fire that develops under these conditions will catch and spread quickly. Residents should prepare for the possibility of extreme fire behavior and monitor local conditions closely.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: North winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 20 to 25 percent.
• Impacts: The combination of dry air and high winds means any fire will be difficult to control and will spread rapidly.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 9:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.