SMC Officials Warn Of 'Critical Fire Weather' Conditions Near Redwood City, Peninsula

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — As wildfires in the North Bay continue to rage on, local winds are providing no help. What's more, much of the region is now under a Red Flag Warning.

Though Peninsula cities are not under the National Weather Service's official red flag warning, San Mateo County officials are urging area residents to be extra cautious with conducting certain activities that may potentially create a spark and lead to a fire. Through the SMC Alert system, the county sent out its own warning regarding "critical fire weather" on Thursday.

Woodside Fire Protection District Fire Marshal Denise Enea issued the following alert Thursday:

Thursday - Saturday evening low humidity and gusty northerly winds will combine with dry fuels to produce critical fire weather conditions especially in the higher bay area elevations.

This type of severe fire weather can quickly spread any fire. Vegetation is at its driest point of the season.

Please use extreme caution when conducting any type of outside construction activity that may have an ignition source. Please monitor what contractors are doing on your property. Weed whacking should not be conducted during red flag weather conditions as sparks from rocks can easily ignite dry grass. Do not use machinery in dry grassy areas.

Outside welding and hot roofing projects should also be postponed. If you see something that looks like it could pose an ignition threat say something.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the region continues to diminish, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued both a health advisory and Spare the Air alert through the weekend.

SEE ALSO:

• Heavy Smoke Blanketing NorCal Not Safe To Breathe, Air District Says
• Northern California Wildfire Latest: Death Toll Climbs To 26; Fires Merge; 191,437 Acres Burned

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PHOTO: Smoke and haze from wildfires hovers over the skyline Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in San Francisco. Gusting winds and dry air forecast for Thursday could drive the next wave of devastating wildfires that are already well on their way to becoming the deadliest and most destructive in California history. CREDIT: Eric Risberg / Associated Press