SAN DIEGO (CNS/CBS 8) - Forecasts calling for stiff winds and extra-low humidity across the San Diego area this weekend prompted the National Weather Service to issue a "red flag" wildfire warning, effective from noon Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday.
During that period, "critical" brush-fire risks will prevail due to sustained winds of 15-30 mph around the region, with gusts up to 65 mph in some locales, and daytime air-moisture levels dipping to about 10 percent, according to the federal agency.
The conditions are expected to begin improving Sunday evening, though stronger-than-usual winds and dry atmospheric conditions will continue Monday, NWS officials said.
"Be safe, enjoy the weather, but be smart."
That's the advice from local Cal Fire officials this weekend as our region is now under a red flag warning until 6 p.m. Sunday.
"Which means the higher wind, the lower humidity...all the makeup for fire conditions...extreme fire behavior," San Diego Cal Fire Battalion Chief Larry Converse said.
A reminder fire season is year round, even in San Diego.
"And the reason why is, we don't get the rains to get grasses to come up. Once those come up, it's slow, but we haven't had rain in the fall, so we still have dry conditions out there," Converse said.
Over the next two days Cal Fire is urging people to use common sense. That means, among other things:
Don't mow or trim dry grass, ensure campfires are put out, make sure you have 100 feet defensible space around your home and never pull over in dry grass.
During this warning Cal Fire has upstaffed. That means they have additional engines, crews, dozers and aircraft available.