Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2005

Collin County to fall under Red Flag Warning for fire

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County, along with other North Texas counties, will be placed in a Red Flag Warning Area effective tomorrow (Thursday, November 3rd). The National Weather Service (NWS) states that winds in the area will be in the 20-30 mph range with higher gusts and relative humidity in the 15-25 percent range. The NWS also states that a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures could create explosive fire growth.

Because Collin County is already in a severe drought situation, the incoming weather system will create a Red Flag Warning for Collin County, and therefore place us in an Extreme Fire Danger Area.

“Large fires start small, so anything which could create a fire, such as the improperly discarding of a cigarette, could lead to a dangerous situation,” says Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh.

Local fire departments have been alerted of this situation, and county officials are ready to support local fire departments in fire suppression efforts, should the need arise.

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