As firefighters continue to monitor wildfires across the state this Veterans Day weekend, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution due to Red Flag Warning conditions. The state faces strong winds and extremely dry conditions, increasing the risk for wildfires, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service issued a red flag warning, which is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday. Any fires that develop could quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain, according to the weather service. Officials recommend avoiding outdoor burning.

The latest update to the U.S. Drought Monitor was issued Thursday and the news isn’t good.  The tri-state area is withering in a prolonged and increasingly extreme drought situation.  It started in September,