Winds cause Red Flag Warning

A Red Flag Warning is in place in Maricopa and northwest Pinal County. Strong winds and low relative humidity have created high fire danger across the area.

The warning is effective until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

According the National Weather Service, winds from the northwest at 20 to 25 mph may gust up to 40 mph. Conditions are expected to peak Tuesday afternoon around 2 p.m.

Fuels are dry, and small sparks like lighted cigarettes can cause brush fires, which then spread quickly in the high winds.