Red Flag Warning Issued For San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Less than a week after a wind-driven wildfire scorched thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of structures in northern San Diego County, critical fire conditions are expected to return to the region.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning Wednesday that will take effect from 4 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday for the county's inland valleys and mountains.

Weather officials originally called a fire weather watch on Tuesday, but predicted strong winds and low humidity has prompted a red flag warning. The fire weather watch is no longer in effect.

"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."

Northeast to east winds are expected to be 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour and isolated gusts up to 65 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. At the same time, minimum relative humidity is expected in the single digits with "very poor overnight recovery," weather officials said.

Winds are anticipated to increase Thursday morning and peak in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Winds are expected to gradually become less widespread Thursday evening and decrease Friday morning.

Santa Ana winds and low humidity could also bring critical fire weather conditions to the county Sunday into early Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather officials warned any fires that develop "will likely spread rapidly and be difficult to contain." Residents were advised to avoid outdoor burning.

The Lilac Fire in San Diego's North County sparked Dec. 7 amid critical fire conditions along the State Route 76 and Interstate 15 interchange. The fire, now 95 percent contained, has burned 4,100 acres, destroyed 157 structures and damaged 64 others.

ALSO SEE:

• Fire Weather Watch Issued For Parts Of San Diego County
• Crews Inch Closer To Full Containment Of Lilac Fire

Photo: David McNew /Getty Images News / Getty Images