Full Notification

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. January 27, 2014 – A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will occur soon. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds residents that a Red Flag Warning is a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures that can create extreme fire behavior. Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service usually 24 hours in advance of a Red Flag Event.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with local fire officials to create a text messaging system for local residents when a Red Flag Warning is issued in Santa Barbara County. Residents can simply text the word redflag to 888777. By receiving the message from emergency officials, residents in the high fire hazard areas can increase their awareness and vigilance.