Red Flag Warning Issued for SD County's Valley, Mountain Areas

Warm, dry weather prompts red flag warning from Monday until Wednesday

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning for San Diego County's mountains and valleys as strong winds and dry weather have raised the threat of wildfires in those areas.

According to NWS, the red flag warning will be in effect from 3 a.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Wednesday for areas including the Palomar and Descanso ranger districts of the Cleveland National Forest.

NWS also issued a smaller, less-serious high wind warning for the valleys and mountains which will be in effect until noon Wednesday.

Along with low humidity, Santa Ana Winds are expected to be anywhere from 20 to 30 miles per hour and could reach gusts as high as 60 mph, officials said.

As of Monday, the warnings did not extend to the county's coastal or desert areas.

Get more weather updates and forecast info here

Over the weekend, Cal Fire officials announced they had increased their staffing levels in affected areas as a result of the red flag conditions.

β€œThough CAL FIRE has year round staffing in Southern California, these conditions warrant adding additional resources on for the duration of the Red Flag conditions that bring an elevated threat of wildfire," said Chief Dale Hutchinson, CAL FIRE's Southern Region Chief, in a media release.

Due to the heightened danger red flag conditions bring, Cal Fire officials said residents shouldn’t mow or trim grass on windy days; vehicles should not be driven over dry brush; target shooting should occur only in designated areas with lead ammunition and never metal targets; and campers should ensure all campfires have been extinguished.

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