Red Flag Warning Issued for Van Horn Corridor and Marfa Plateau Due to Critical Fire Danger

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa TX has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 11:00 AM CST this morning through 8:00 PM CST this evening. This alert is issued when critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or imminent.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad region including:

• Texas: Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor, Chinati Mountains, Marfa Plateau, Upper Trans Pecos, Northern Permian Basin, and the Davis Mountains.
• New Mexico: Southeast New Mexico.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take the following precautions:

• Discourage Outdoor Burning: Any fires that develop under these conditions can spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
• Exercise Caution: Avoid activities that could produce sparks or flames near dry vegetation.
• Prepare: Be ready to respond if a wildfire starts in your vicinity.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions are expected to reach critical thresholds for fire growth:

• Winds: West winds of 20 to 30 mph at the 20-foot level, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 9 percent.
• Fire Environment: The Red Flag Threat Index (RFTI) is rated between 5 and 7 (critical). Fuel dryness (ERC) is currently in the 50th-69th percentile.

Timeline

• Effective Period: Friday, February 20, 2026.
• Start Time: 11:00 AM CST (10:00 AM MST).
• Expiration: 8:00 PM CST (7:00 PM MST).