Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Reno have issued an Urgent Fire Weather message, warning Susanville area residents to prepare for heat, gusty winds, low humidity and high fire danger Monday afternoon and evening.
According to the weather service a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 2:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. Monday in eastern Lassen and northern Washoe Counties.
The affected area includes Fire Zone 278 Eastern Lassen County and Fire Zone 458 Northern Washoe County.
Winds out of the west-southwest will be sustained at 15 to 20mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Humidity will drop down to around 10 percent for the 4 to 6 hour period.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Because of the Red Flag Warning in effect across much of northern California and the predicted increased fire weather, CAL FIRE has brought on additional aviation assets. The aircraft have been strategically placed to bolster the department’s response to new wildfires.
At McClellan Air Tanker Base, a MD-87 “Tanker 102” from Aero-Air LLC. In addition, two Blackhawk helicopters from PJ Helicopters, one will be stationed at Chico Air Attack Base, the other at Sonoma Air Attack Base.
Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.
