Edhat Staff
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 3 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Thursday for the Santa Barbara County South Coast and Mountains.
In anticipation of the Red Flag Warning, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department will increase its staffing level during this period. The increased staffing level will include three engines, two dozers, one water tender, two hand crews, one battalion chief and one helicopter with night flying capabilities. In addition, Cal OES has provided a strike team of engines (five engines) that will be prepositioned in the Goleta area. These additional resources 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.
- 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.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Barbara County South Coast and Mountains (zones CAZ252, CAZ239) in effect from 3 pm Tuesday July 24, 2018 to 10 am Thursday July 26, 2018.
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.
* Winds…Areas of northwest to north winds 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Winds will be strongest around the Santa Ynez Range, from the San Marcos Pass and westward, during the late afternoon and overnight hours.
* Relative Humidity…Minimum humidity’s between 10 and 20 percent in foothills and wind prone areas, with poor overnight recovery.
* Temperatures…Maximum temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees inland of the beaches, with warm overnight conditions.
* Impacts…If fire ignition occurs, there could be rapid wildfire spread that would lead to a threat to life and property. Use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected. A combination of strong winds, hot temperatures, very low relative humidity and dry fuels could contribute to extreme fire danger and/or fire behavior. Use extreme caution with potential ignition sources.
Edhatters will alert me to fire. Always first. That’s what I’m absolutely sure of…of which I am sure.
I’m not sure that relying solely on Edhat as an emergency notification is a great idea. Edhat is great, but if you’re not checking the site constantly, you could miss something. I hope you are signed up for County alerts!
“Looks like all this heat finally triggered an @SCE request for people to conserve energy at peak hours (5 to 9pm). Verified account @SCE. State officials have issued a @FlexAlert for Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. Please conserve energy to decrease demand on the grid. ”