Merced County is under red flag conditions this weekend. Here’s why
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the Central Valley, including Merced County, this weekend.
The red flag warning, which alerts the public to extreme fire weather conditions, is in effect from 5 a.m. Saturday until 8 p.m. Monday.
A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior, the NWS said in its alert issued Friday morning.
Winds could gust up to 35 mph on Saturday and Sunday, and any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, the NWS said. High temperatures are expected in the low 80s on Saturday and Sunday. Monday’s forecast is for a high of 87 degrees.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said it has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is monitoring weather conditions that could trigger public safety power shutoffs, or PSPS outages, in parts of Northern California as early as Sunday.
Here are some tips to avoid and prepare for fires:
- Avoid any outdoor burning.
- Don’t discard lit cigarette butts outside, or toss cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle.
- Don’t leave any fire unattended.
- Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yardwork, target shooting or campfires.
- People who live in fire-prone areas should clear debris outside of their homes and create defensible space for safety.
- Do not drive or park vehicles in dry grass, which can be prone to catching fire.
