Red Flag Warning Issued For North Bay

NORTH BAY, CA – Fire season isn't over in the San Francisco Bay Area. Critical fire weather conditions are expected to return this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for parts of the region, including the North Bay.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from 10 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Sunday. Affected areas include elevations above 1,000 feet in the North Bay and East Bay hills, Santa Cruz mountains, Diablo Range, Santa Lucia Range, and the interior mountains of San Benito and Monterey counties.

Weather officials originally called a fire weather watch, but predicted strong winds and low humidity has prompted a red flag warning. A wind advisory is also in effect for the same time period.

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," weather officials said. "A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Northerly winds are expected to be 15 to 30 miles per hour, with local gusts over 50 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. The strongest gusts are expected over the North Bay mountains and East Bay hills.

At the same time, minimum humidity readings of 10 to 20 percent are anticipated during the day, weather officials said.

Weather officials warned any fires that develop "will likely spread rapidly."

The impacted area includes Mount Tamalpais in Marin County.

Mount Tamalpais watershed lands are closed to public motor vehicle traffic on Sky Oaks Road beyond the Sky Oaks Ranger Station, according to the Marin Municipal Water District. Natalie Coffin Greene Park is also closed to vehicle traffic.

In addition, all watershed land use permits have been suspended. No fires or BBQs will be permitted.

With the warning in place, Marin County Fire Department Chief Jason Weber has indefinitely suspended open burning within the county's borders.

"We are suspending open burning because of predicted fire weather, the lack of precipitation and unusually dry fuel conditions for this time of year," Weber said in a statement.

"This directive will remain in effect until adequate precipitation is received and fuel conditions are moderated," he said.

Officials from Pacific Gas and Electric Company advised residents to stay alert near fallen trees and branches. Residents were also urged to report downed power lines to 911.

Image via NWS Bay Area