A red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect until 11 p.m. Saturday for parts of Southern California, where strong winds and critically low humidity are expected to create dangerous fire conditions across several desert and valley are
On Friday morning, the National Weather Service put a red flag warning over parts of Southern California—hours before the region’s desert communities and valleys could face some of the most dangerous fire weather of the season.
The warning is in effect until 11 p.m. Saturday for areas including San Bernardino, Kern, Inyo and Tulare counties. It covers Death Valley National Park, the Mojave Desert, Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley and the Lower Colorado River Valley. The timing matters: it began at 11 a.m. Friday, when forecasters say conditions are already aligning for fast-moving fires.
Forecasters expect wind gusts of about 35 to 55 mph along with humidity rates as low as 6% to 15%. The National Weather Service says that combination means any fire that ignites is likely to spread rapidly.
Fire weather warnings are also active across much of the West. They extend through including much of Arizona, Nevada and Utah, along with portions of Colorado and New Mexico. Those areas have an ample supply of dry fuel, made more ready to burn after a snow-starved winter.
In southeastern Utah, another layer of danger is already in place as communities deal with the 70,000-plus acre Cottonwood Fire. Southeastern Utah is under a rare “particularly dangerous situation” alert—the highest level of fire warning issued by the National Weather Service. That kind of alert was also used in Los Angeles when the Palisades and Eaton fires ignited last year.
In California, officials are urging residents to plan for the possibility that they may have to leave quickly. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is advising people in red flag areas of Southeastern California to be ready to evacuate if a fire starts.
“Be ready, and not reactive,” the department said in a statement. It urged residents to pack a go bag, sign up for emergency alerts, prepare their home for wildfire, and review their evacuation plan now.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said it is coordinating with local authorities to preposition fire personnel and equipment in Inyo County in preparation for the weather. It also urged residents to sign up for alerts at ready.ca.gov.
With the Fourth of July holiday approaching—and California moving deeper into fire season—Cal Fire is also reminding residents to use extreme caution with fireworks. In California, only designated “safe and sane” fireworks are legal for personal use. Many cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego and Long Beach, ban the personal use of any type of fireworks.
“Illegal fireworks can cause devastating burn injuries, spark wildfires, and carry serious criminal penalties, including fines and jail time,” Cal Fire said in a statement. “As we celebrate 250 years of this nation, let’s honor it the right way by keeping California safe.”
The warning in Southern California runs through Saturday night. when wind and humidity are expected to remain a recipe for rapid spread. For residents in the affected desert and valley areas—especially those asked to prepare for evacuation—the message arriving with the forecast is stark: readiness can’t wait until smoke is already in the air.
red flag warning critical fire weather Southern California National Weather Service Cal Fire evacuation fireworks Death Valley Mojave Desert Morongo Valley Yucca Valley Lower Colorado River Valley