Los Angeles County is included in a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:11 p.m. The warning is in effect until Saturday Aug. 23, at 9 p.m.
Winds are forecasted to be southwest at 10-20 mph gusting to 20-25 mph over the western Antelope Valley Foothills and vicinity and in other wind- favored areas such as through passes and canyons. Lighter winds elsewhere. Passing outflow boundaries could bring sudden wind- shifts and increased fire-spread rates, even from distant thunderstorms and relative humidity minimum relative humidity 8-20 percent, lowest Thursday.
“A significant heatwave will continue through this weekend, bringing dangerous fire-weather conditions,” states the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. “If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior and rapid fire growth, which could threaten life and property. Be aware of sudden re-direction of fires in response to passing outflow boundaries.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- Santa Clarita Valley
- Santa Susana Mountains
- 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
- Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor
- Eastern San Gabriel Mountains
- Western Antelope Valley Foothills
- Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills
- 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 means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire spreading rapidly.
What steps should you follow during a red flag warning?
During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:
1. Secure burn barrels:
If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Responsible disposal 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 thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.
4. Never leave fires unattended:
Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.