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Red flag warning issued for parts of Southern California through Saturday
Areas of San Bernardino, Kern, Inyo and Tulare counties remain under a red flag warning until 11 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters cite strong winds and low humidity that could cause any new fire to spread rapidly.
Los Angeles TimesAudio version
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m. m. Saturday. The National Weather Service said the alert includes Death Valley National Park, the Mojave Desert, Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley and the Lower Colorado River Valley. Forecasters expect wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph and humidity levels between 6% and 15%.
Western states under similar alerts Fire weather warnings also cover large sections of Arizona, Nevada and Utah, plus parts of Colorado and New Mexico. Dry vegetation left after a snow-starved winter increases the risk of rapid fire growth across the region.
Southeastern Utah, where the Cottonwood fire has burned more than 70,000 acres, is under a "particularly dangerous situation" alert, the highest level issued by the National Weather Service. The same alert level was active in Los Angeles when the Palisades and Eaton fires started last year.
State agencies urge preparation The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection advised residents in the affected counties to pack a go bag, sign up for emergency alerts, prepare their homes and review evacuation plans. "Be ready, and not reactive," the department said in a statement.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said it is coordinating with local authorities to move fire personnel and equipment into Inyo County ahead of the weather. Officials also reminded residents that only designated "safe and sane" fireworks are legal in California and urged extreme caution as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
