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On Tuesday at 2:38 p.m. the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA released an updated red flag warning valid from Thursday 6 a.m. until Friday 10 p.m. The warning is for Ventura County Beaches, Ventura County Inland Coast, Central Ventura County Valleys, Malibu Coast, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Western San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles.
Expect winds to be northeast to east 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph. Isolated gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible in the hills and relative humidity minimums of 5 to 15% common.
“Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will quickly develop on Thursday, peak Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, then weaken through the weekend. Meanwhile, dry air will settle over the region and dry out any helpful effects of the recent rains. The previous Fire Weather Watches were upgraded to Red Flag Warnings. Some of the windiest areas may see Red Flag conditions linger into Saturday. As the winds expand Thursday Night into Friday, Red Flag conditions may form over the interior mountains of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties on Friday, where a Fire Weather Watch is now in effect,” describes the NWS. “If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property.”
This warning is in effect until Friday at 10 p.m.
What does a red flag warning mean?
A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What are the recommended measures to take during a red flag warning?
During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:
1. Bolster burn barrel safety:
If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:
To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.
4. Never leave fires unattended:
Refrain from leaving any fire unattended. Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published October 13, 2026 at 1:45 PM.