Vermont Red Flag Warning

Whether Vermont is under a Red Flag Warning right now — live from the National Weather Service — plus what it means, the restrictions it triggers, and how to stay safe.

Vermont Red Flag Warning map

Live · NWS

The shaded zones are the exact areas under a warning, drawn live from National Weather Service alert polygons. Tap any zone for its details and a link to the official NWS alert.

Red Flag Warning
Fire Weather Watch

Checking Vermont fire-weather alerts…

What a Red Flag Warning means in Vermont

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when critical fire-weather conditions are happening or about to — usually a mix of low humidity, strong or gusty wind, and dry fuels. It doesn’t mean a fire has started; it means the atmosphere is primed so that any spark in Vermont can ignite and spread dangerously fast. A Fire Weather Watch is the heads-up one level down — conditions could become critical in the next 12–72 hours.

What’s restricted during a Red Flag Warning

Exact rules vary by county and land agency, but a Red Flag Warning commonly means:

  • No open burning — campfires, debris/yard burning, and burn barrels are typically banned.
  • No fireworks of any kind.
  • Don’t mow, weld, grind, or use equipment that throws sparks in or near dry vegetation.
  • Never toss cigarettes; don’t park hot vehicles over dry grass.
  • Secure trailer chains so they can’t drag and spark.

Always confirm the specific restrictions for your county, city, and any public land with the managing agency — penalties for violations rise sharply during a warning.

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Vermont Red Flag Warning FAQ

Is Vermont under a Red Flag Warning today?

The live banner at the top of this page pulls active Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches for Vermont directly from the National Weather Service, updated each time you load the page. It shows which areas are affected and when each alert expires.

What does a Red Flag Warning mean in Vermont?

A Red Flag Warning means the National Weather Service expects critical fire-weather conditions — typically some combination of low humidity, strong wind, and dry fuels — that let any new fire start easily and spread fast. It doesn’t mean there’s a fire; it means conditions are dangerous, so any spark is high-risk. A Fire Weather Watch is the step below it: conditions could become critical in the next 12–72 hours.

What is restricted during a Red Flag Warning in Vermont?

Restrictions vary by county and land-management agency, but Red Flag Warnings commonly trigger bans on open burning, campfires, and fireworks, and warnings against any spark-producing activity (mowing dry grass, welding, grinding, dragging trailer chains). Check your county, city, and — on public land — the managing agency for the exact rules in effect.

How long does a Red Flag Warning last?

Most Red Flag Warnings run for a defined window — often an afternoon and evening when wind and low humidity peak — and expire automatically; the live status above shows the expiration time for each active alert in Vermont. They can be reissued day after day during a prolonged dry, windy stretch.

How do I get notified of a Red Flag Warning near me?

Sign up for free fire alerts on this page and we’ll email you when a Red Flag Warning is issued for your area or a new wildfire ignites nearby. You can also enable alerts from the National Weather Service and your county’s emergency notification system.

Live alerts are pulled from the National Weather Service (weather.gov) and are for awareness. For official warnings, restrictions, and evacuation orders, follow the NWS, your county, and local fire authorities, and call 911 in an emergency.

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