Full Notification

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. June 20, 2013 –
The Red Flag Warning (RFW) for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties has been extended until 8 pm today. For the mountains of Santa Barbara County including the foothills of the Santa Ynez Range and the Santa Barbara Front Country, the RFW has been extended until 8:00 am Friday, June 21. This extension is due to gusty northwest to north winds, high temperatures and very low relative humidity (Sundowner winds).

Red Flag Warning Duration: From 6:00 am June 19 to 8:00 am June 21.

The gusty northerly winds from last night will weaken today but remain gusty into Friday. Meanwhile, humidity’s will lower some. As a result, critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist over the Santa Barbara County Mountains through early Friday morning including the foothills of the Santa Ynez Range and the Santa Barbara Front Country. The Los Angeles and Ventura County Mountains will also be areas of concern through tonight with near critical conditions but with weaker winds. The RFW will be allowed to expire tonight. Overall, improved conditions are expected Friday into Saturday.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can create extreme fire behavior.

In anticipation of the Red Flag Warning, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department will increase its staffing level during the period of the RFW. The increased staffing level will include 3 engines, one dozer, one water tender and one battalion chief and will be available to respond throughout the Santa Barbara County Operational Area.

As a result of the issuance of the Red Flag Warning, citizens should take appropriate precautions. These precautions include, but are not limited to the following:
• Report any sign of smoke immediately to your local fire department by calling 911 (if your call 911 from your cell phone, you must know your location).
• Use extreme caution when operating spark of flame producing machinery in hazardous grass or brush areas.
• Have an evacuation plan in place and identify two exit routes from your neighborhood. If you are asked to evacuate by fire or law enforcement officials, do so immediately.
• Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to law enforcement.