Extreme low humidity and forecasted high winds will result in elevated wildfire danger and a red flag warning through Saturday in the San Diego County mountains and inland valleys.
Credit: CAL FIRE The Valley Fire, which has grown to thousands of acres in just a few days, is a growing threat to communities in San Diego County with the Santa Ana wind event forecast for today. Residents, particularly those who live in communities around the fire perimeter, are asked to be ready to evacuate in 15 minutes or less.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from 5 a.m. Thursday through 5 p.m. Friday due to strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity for mountains, valleys of inland San Diego County. The warning indicates critical fire weather conditions.
Residents are asked to use extreme caution with fire sources such as power tools and cigarettes due to Santa Ana winds expected to sweep through San Diego County mountains and inland valleys Thursday and Friday. The arrival of the fall’s first Santa Ana is a reminder that it is peak fire season, and the region’s dry brush and grasses could potentially ignite a dangerous wildfire and threaten communities.
San Diego County area fire chiefs are preparing for a potentially dangerous peak fire season due to historically dry fuel conditions. Residents are reminded to take all precautions and be ready to evacuate if needed.
Credit: Pixabay San Diego County is vulnerable to many types of emergencies: fires, floods, and earthquakes just to name a few. These disasters can strike at any time, and we should all be prepared to keep ourselves, and our loved ones, safe. But a 2017 survey conducted by the County found only half of San Diego County residents are prepared to evacuate their homes within 15 minutes. Only 38 percent have an emergency plan.
December’s arrival did not mean an end to high fire risk. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning today through Thursday due to strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity throughout San Diego County.
