The Red Flag Warning signs are up, for the next couple of days. A Red Flag Warning is scheduled to go into effect at 11 pm Thursday, Oct 17 through 5 pm Saturday, Oct. 19.
There is much concern about the forecast of the potential wind speeds and gusting.
The Novato Fire District might even be putting on an extra engine company, and that is expensive.
The gas line repair on the top of Marin Valley Drive is in “stand down” right now due to the potential wind threats.
*Red Flag Warnings —
When the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning, it means that weather conditions are expected for certain areas during a specific time frame, which would have a critical effect on fires that can develop and will likely spread rapidly. See FIRESafe Marin for more details.
A Red Flag Warning in effect is indicated in the Park by a red flag at the top of the hill next to the banner area and two red feathers outside the clubhouse with a banner that reads:
Red Flag Warning TODAY
Fire Danger is EXTREME!
DO NOT:
• Bar-B-Que
• Drive on dry grass
• Use outdoor power tools
ALERT:
• Be ready for EVACUATION
• Be ready for POWER-OUT
• Charge your cellphone
• Fill your gas tank
• Stay hydrated.
* TIMING...11 PM Thursday until 5 PM Saturday * WINDS...North 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent. * LIGHTNING...None. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Despite recent cool weather and high humidity, we are expecting a widespread and prolonged offshore wind event which will likely dry fuels out very quickly given their volatility over the past several weeks. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.