San Andreas, CA…In an effort to raise awareness of critical Red Flag Warnings, Calaveras County OES has partnered with our local Fire Departments, CALFIRE and local Schools to display Red Flag Warning banners during a Red Flag Warning. What does a Red Flag Warning mean? Here is some more information: The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.

A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.
The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above.

Here is how you can help:
When you see these banners, take prevention measures:
*Never mow or trim dry grass on a Red Flag Warning Day. (Mow before 10 a.m. on a day when its not hot and windy).
*Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
*Spark arresters are required in wildland areas on all portable gasoline powered equipment.
*Never pull vehicles over in dry grass.
*Ensure trailer chains don’t drag on the ground.
*Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it’s windy or areas where not allowed.
Would you like to receive notifications when Red Flag Warnings are declared? Log into your Calaveras Alert account, and select Weather Alerts!

CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
Calaveras Consolidated Fire
Central Calaveras Fire Fighters Association
Murphys Fire Protection District – Volunteer Firefighters Association
Copperopolis Fire Protection District
Ebbetts Pass Fire Fighters Association
San Andreas Fire Protection District
South County Fire Departments, Angels Camp & Altaville Melones
West Point Wilseyville Fire Association
Mokelumne Hill Fire Protection District MHFPD
Calaveras County Office of Education

Source = Cal OES