Red Flag Warning: Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Bolsters Resources

NORTH BAY, CA — Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit has bolstered its firefighting resources in light of a National Weather Service red flag warning for much of Northern California. The red flag warning went into effect at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, with critical fire weather conditions expected to continue until 11 a.m. Wednesday as building high pressure results in gusty offshore winds in the North Bay Mountains, East Bay Hills and Diablo Range.

Additionally, hot afternoon temperatures Tuesday and low daytime humidity values in the teens will contribute to increased fire danger, according to the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area.

"Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly," weather officials said.

During this time, Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit — provider of services to Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Colusa, Yolo and Solano counties — has implemented additional resources.

"Additional resources include; all engines, hand crews and bulldozers will be staffed 24 hours a day, additional Emergency Command Center personnel, and additional personnel to fill command and control functions in the event of a major fire," said Bruce Lang, public information officer for Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa (LNU), which is headquartered in St. Helena in Napa County.

"Northerly winds will increase this evening through Wednesday morning, reaching approximately 35 miles per hour," Lang said. "The combination of gusty winds, low humidity, and very dry fuels will result in critical fire weather conditions."

Further, because approximately 11 percent of fires in the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit are caused by individuals using equipment in and around dry vegetation, Cal Fire LNU Chief Shana Jones has asked that outdoor power equipment not be used until the red flag event has ended.

"... Even then, use as early in the day as possible to avoid increased burning conditions during the heat of the day," Jones said.

With the red flag warning in place, as well as a heat advisory, PG&E has cautioned that public safety power shutoffs are possible for some 124,000 Northern California customers. Although a temporary power shutoff Monday evening was canceled for Sonoma, Lake and Napa counties, PG&E said it continues to monitor weather conditions.

The threat of possible power shutoffs Monday prompted both the city of Santa Rosa and the county of Sonoma to make state of emergency declarations.

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