Extreme fire danger brings Red Flag
Critical fire weather conditions have returned statewide this week. Be prepared, have an evacuation plan and know what to do before the next fire disaster.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect through 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, for all the mountain and valley areas. Some local weather prognosticators predict Santa Ana winds continuing through Tuesday. Exercise caution while outdoors.
Santa Ana winds got cranking Thursday, Nov. 11, and they will peak Thursday night into Friday morning before decreasing late Friday.
Critical to extreme fire weather conditions are expected across parts of Northern and Southern California into Friday morning. Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly with extreme fire behavior possible. For more, visit http://www.spc.noaa.gov
A devastating wildfire has already ignited in Northern California, spreading quickly and has entered the town of Paradise. It’s only 6 miles from Chico.
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.
A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events that may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times, extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.
The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes or any combination of the above.
During heightened fire danger, Cal Fire will place additional firefighters on duty, staff more fire engines and keep more equipment on 24 hours a day to be able to respond to any new fires. Cal Fire urges Californians to be extremely cautious, especially during periods of high fire danger. It’s important all residents and visitors take steps to prevent wildfires. One less spark could mean one less wildfire. Here are some tips: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.