Red Flag Warning Issued for Foothills

Wind gusts headed northeast and low relative humidity can be expected through Tuesday afternoon, according to an announcement from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

"Predicted wind gusts up to 70 mph are expected and will result in a high fire danger throughout Los Angeles County," according to Capt. Mark Savage of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The warning will last until about 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

"If fire ignition occurs, there could be rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat to life and property," according to the NWS. 

Additional staffing and predeployment of resources were ordered throughout Los Angeles County in response to the fire danger, Savage said.

Locals in brush areas are reminded to take precautions:

• Report any sign of smoke immediately to your local fire department by dialing 911 (If you dial 911 from your cellular phone, know your location).

• Use extreme caution when operating spark or flame producing machinery in hazardous grass or brush areas.

• If you live in a brush area, you should have a Wildfire Action Plan in place. Be familiar with the Ready! Set! Go! program that provides important pre-planning and evacuation information to residents. Go to www.fire.lacounty.gov for more information.

• Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to law enforcement. 

Since thousands of homes are located in the foothill communities near natural areas, this creates a unique challenge for local fire agencies, according to the County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide.

A Red Flag weather warning will be issued if humidity is low and reaches below 15 percent while winds exceed 25 mph, according to county fire officials. Brushfires can spread more rapidly during these conditions.

Here’s how to can prepare before a wild land fire:

• Park you car heading out and keep keys ready

• Disconnect automatic garage door openers in case of power failure

• Place important records and documents inside car

• Keep pet carriers or leashes handy

• When you leave your house: keep drapes and window coverings open, close all interior doors, windows to home; keep interior lights on and move combustible furniture away from the center of the room

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is also offering special emergency text and email alerts from LASD Emergency Operations Bureau, regarding wind storms, wild land fires, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Text: LASAFETY to 888777 to receive TEXT alerts only via www.Nixle.com (Standard text msg rates may apply, depending on your calling plan). Register for EMAIL AND/OR TEXT alerts at www.Nixle.com under the title: "LASD - Emergency Operations Bureau, Los Angeles County Sheriff."