The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Wind gusts are expected to hit 35 to 45 miles per hour and may reach 50 miles per hour in the mountains, according to officials.
In the Santa Monica Mountains, the strongest gusts were expected Monday night and early Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The warning also noted that low humidities would be expected in the mountains and throughout LA County.
The National Weather Service says fires can spread very quickly due to a combination of dry brush and weather conditions during red flag days. Los Angeles County Fire Chief, Daryl L. Osby, has requested additional resources due to the warning.
To report damage related to the winds, call the county's disaster hotline at 1-800-980-4990 or by dialing 2-1-1. Damage can also be reported online at www.211la.org.
The LA County Fire Department has a few precautions for residents during these conditions:
- Report smoke to fire officials by calling 911 and report your specific location.
- When using machinery that may involve sparks or flames, be extremely cautious in brush areas.
- Have a "Wildfire Action Plan" in place if you live in a brush area.
- Report any suspicious activity or persons.
As of 9:30 a.m., the Los Angeles City Fire Department had not issued any red flag parking restrictions.
- For the complete warning from the National Weather Service, click here.
- For the warning sent by the LA County Fire Department, click here.
- For information about preparing a Wildfire Action Plan, click here.
