Sacramento, California – California’s fire danger this week may begin with something as small as a single lightning strike.
Across several parts of the state, a dangerous mix of dry thunderstorms, strong winds, heat and low humidity could allow a new fire to spread quickly before crews have much time to contain it.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday for portions of Trinity and Shasta counties. The main concern is isolated dry thunderstorms capable of producing lightning beyond the areas receiving meaningful rainfall.
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That matters because lightning can ignite dry vegetation even when a storm appears to be bringing some rain. With fuels already vulnerable to burning, strikes outside the rainfall zone could create new wildfire starts in remote or difficult-to-reach areas.
Fire concerns will then shift farther south.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the mountains and south coast of Santa Barbara County, the Ventura County Mountains and the Interstate 5 Corridor. Forecast conditions include strong northwest to north winds, hot temperatures and relative humidity falling as low as 10% to 25%.
Low humidity removes moisture from grass, brush and other vegetation, while strong winds can push flames forward and carry embers ahead of a fire. When those conditions occur together, even a small ignition can grow rapidly and produce extreme fire behavior.
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Residents in the affected areas are being urged to prepare before smoke or flames are visible. Families should pack a go-bag with essential items, create or review a wildfire action plan and make sure everyone knows how they would leave if an evacuation becomes necessary.
People should also avoid outdoor activities that could create sparks. Equipment, vehicles, chains and other heat-producing tools can ignite dry vegetation under critical conditions.
The warnings and watches do not mean a wildfire is certain to occur. They signal that the weather could make any new fire significantly more difficult to control.
With the threat stretching from Northern California to parts of the Central and Southern California mountains, preparation may be the most important action residents can take. A plan made before a fire begins can save valuable time if conditions suddenly turn dangerous.