The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the North and East Bay, the first of the season, from tonight through Monday morning, according to the City of Richmond. Areas of most concern for wildfires are the Napa hills and the hills and the interior valleys of Alameda and Contra Costa County, local officials said.
During Red Flag Warning periods, outdoor fires are prohibited, as are equipment to mow or cut dry grass.
Northeast, offshore winds in the hills are expected to arrive tonight and “spread over the region by Saturday morning,” officials said. “These winds will usher in a much drier airmass with gusty north winds continuing into Saturday morning. Rapid warming and drying Saturday afternoon will allow any new ignitions to spread rapidly. A moderate humidity recovery on Saturday night will help briefly ease conditions but another warm, dry and breezy day on Sunday will keep fire weather concerns elevated. A final burst of winds Sunday night in the hills with the Red Flag currently set to expire at 6 am Monday morning.
For current weather conditions, visit: www.weather.gov/bayarea.
Additional Tips:
1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams.
2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel.
3. Park your vehicle:
a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR
b. On the street in the direction of departure.
4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket.
5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle.
6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle.
8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children.
9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time.
10. Help and pick up neighbors who need assistance evacuating.
For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit here.
