Red Flag Warning Issued Countywide; Cal Fire On Alert

Firefighters braced for the worse Thursday but hoped for the best as the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the San Bernardino and Riverside County areas.

Whether directly in the Coachella Valley or near it, whenever a red flag warning goes into effect, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection goes on high alert, said Capt. Erik Perry, who is based at a Palm Desert station.

“There is danger in the air, and that air is the wind moving our Santa Ana winds,” said Perry.

Stronger winds whipping around Riverside County increase the fire threat and the chances of flames spreading faster, said Perry.

“We haven’t had a lot of rains this year,” said Perry, who has been fighting fires for 20 years.

During his career, Perry said he’s learned some helpful tips to keep in mind in harsh winds.

“You’ve always got to be on your feet (and) ready for the unexpected,” said Perry.

Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation; the blades can hit a rock and spark a fire.

Perry also said to only work on the grass during the cool hours of the day.

Residents are encouraged to have at least 100 feet of defensible space cleared around their homes. When dead weeds and leaves are cleared from gutters, a house will not catch fire as easily, said Perry.

On the road, drivers should avoid sandy areas.

With winds ranging between 15 and 20 mph and gusts possible reaching 50 mph, drivers may encounter zero visibility.

Perry said it is also against the law to throw cigarette butts out of the window, which can cause brush fires.

“The winds, when they come up, we all take off and we go from fire to fire to fire after that,” said Perry.

The red flag warning is in into effect from midnight on Thursday until 2 p.m. Friday.