Santa Susana Mountains and Eastern San Gabriel Mountains are under a red flag warning which was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 9:59 a.m. The warning is in effect until 3 p.m.
Expect winds to be southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts 20 to 30 mph this afternoon into early evening. In addition, strong/erratic wind gusts will be likely near any passing thunderstorms or showers and relative humidity minimum humidities 12 to 25%. Poor recoveries overnight hours in the mountains and foothills with humidities in the 15 to 30% range.
“A hot and unstable air mass combined with locally gusty/erratic winds and low humidities will bring continue to bring a risk of large plume dominated fires with rapid spread and extreme fire behavior. Additionally, tropical moisture streaming across our area will bring a 10-25% chance of thunderstorms to the region, with a moderate risk for fire starts across San Luis Obispo County due to dry lightning potential,” the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA said. “There is a continued risk of large plume dominated fires with rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior. There is a history of large plume dominated fires this time of year with similar weather and fuel conditions, including the Bridge, Bobcat, and Station fires.”
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 is the significance of a red flag warning?
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 steps should you follow during 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:
Steer clear of haphazardly discarding lit cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To safeguard against accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s thoroughly cooled. Never dispose of live charcoal on the ground.
4. Never desert a blaze:
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.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page