NEW ORLEANS — The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a red flag warning for several southeastern parishes and all of southern Mississippi.

The warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday due to an approaching cold front that will likely bring dry air. Officials say a combination of strong winds, drought conditions and dry brush could allow fires to spread quickly.

Residents of the following parishes should refrain from burning while these conditions are present: Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Washington, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Assumption, St. James, Wilkinson, Amite, Pike, Northern Tangipahoa, Walthall, Southeast St. Tammany, Pearl River, Northern St. Tammany, Southwestern St. Tammany, Hancock, Central Tangipahoa, Harrison, Lower Tangipahoa, Jackson, Northern Livingston, Southern Livingston, Western Ascension and Eastern Ascension.

According to the National Weather Service, "A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."