5 Freeway north of LA is the focus of a red flag warning issued at 2:46 p.m. on Wednesday by the National Weather Service. The warning is in effect until Thursday July 16, at 9 a.m.
Winds are expected to be northwest to north winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 50 mph, strongest in Sundowner wind prone areas of southern Santa Barbara County and relative humidity 10 to 25%.
“Gusty northwest to north winds, hot temperatures, and low relative humidity will produce the potential for critical fire-weather conditions through early Thursday,” says the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. “If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior, rapid fire growth, and long range spotting, which could threaten life and property. The hot air mass will also contribute to the potential for significant vertical plume growth.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
- Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast
- Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast
- Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range
- Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range
- Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains
- Southern Ventura County Mountains
- Northern Ventura County Mountains
Emergency alerts in Southern California
For “considerable or catastrophic” hazards, emergency alerts will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the area. To monitor lesser risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. How to sign up for alerts in your area:
What does a red flag warning indicate?
A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What should you do under a red flag warning?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:
1. Secure burn barrels:
In areas where controlled burning is sanctioned, make certain that burn barrels sport a weighty metal cover, equipped with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful handling of smoking materials:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it’s thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from live charcoal unattended.
4. Never desert a blaze:
Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page