Area fire crews are checking equipment and staying in touch with department chiefs as red flag warnings continue in Quay County.

“The guys take days like these very seriously,” said Quay County Fire Marshall, Donald Adams.

Both red flag warnings and high wind warnings are in effect for Quay County through Thursday, said National Weather Service Meteorologist, Jennifer Palucki.

All you can do is make sure your equipment is ready when the call comes in, said Mike Cherry, Tucumcari fire chief.

Adams said many volunteer fire fighters have been staying in contact with their departments. He said they have been sticking close to home in case they are needed.

“On a day like this with the wind gust so high you fight to get ahead of the fire,” Adams said.

Last Friday, Tucumcari and seven Quay County fire department fought a wildfire on I-40 near Endee for five hours. The fire consumed 1,225 acres in New Mexico and 200 acres in Texas.

Adam said on high wind and low moisture days everyone is effected. He said residents and travelers need to be mindful about the fire dangers.

Adams said, “All it will take is one little spark and we are off.”

Palucki said the chance of precipitation has been taken out of the forecast package for the area.

“With such low humidity and high winds, there is a danger of fires quickly getting out of hand,” Palucki said.

Palucki said the relative humidity for Tucumcari was 6 percent at 2 p.m. She said 15 percent is the threshold used to issue a red flag warning.

“The winds will continue to l be strong on Friday,” Palucki said. “But they will not be as severe as today.”