An extreme drought is causing vegetation in Southwest Louisiana to be conducive to a rapid spread of wildland fires.

The National Weather Service’s Lake Charles office said the area is under a red flag warning as winds and dry fuels continue to create dangerous fire weather conditions.

Sustained winds ranging from 8 to 20 mph with higher gusts are expected today.

“Fires can spread rapidly in these conditions,” the agency said. “Avoid activities that cause open flames or sparks. Properly discard cigarettes. Avoid parking on dry grass and check trailers for dragging chains.”

The agency said Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Padre Island in South Texas late Tuesday morning. No direct impacts are expected for Southwest Louisiana.

The small craft advisory will be dropped starting from the east, at the intracoastal waterway, with the last advisory dropping at 6 p.m. this evening.