Marin County Fire Crews Prepare For Red Flag Warning

Marin County Fire Crews Prepare For Red Flag Warning Low humidity and high winds could create critical fire weather conditions in Marin County over the next few days.

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County fire agencies will ramp up staffing over the next few days as a red flag warning takes effect across the North Bay and much of the Bay Area.

According to the National Weather Service, the warning will take effect Thursday night and remain in place through Saturday evening as an "inside slider" system moves in, accompanied by gusty winds and low humidity.

The strong offshore winds could create gusts as high as 45 mph as relative humidity dips as low as 10 percent.

"The concern with this weather system is that wildfires that develop have the potential to spread rapidly," Marin County officials warned Wednesday. "Erratic gusty winds may result in dangerous and unpredictable fire behavior. A simple spark could cause a major wildfire. The community is advised to exercise extreme caution."

In addition to bolstering fire crews, Marin County will close Bolinas-Fairfax Road, between Azalea Hill and Highway 1, until the red flag warning expires.

Officials said several investments since the major North Bay fires of 2017 have helped the county better prepare for fire threats, including expanding wildland fire crews, enhancing the Office of Emergency Management, improving early alert systems, and completing more fire fuel reduction projects.

While fire dangers are elevated, the county recommends that residents:

Avoid using any source of heat or open flame outdoors

Avoid using power tools (gas or electric), or mowers.

Properly discard cigarettes.

Keep vehicles off dry grass or vegetation.

Avoid closed areas and be alert while visiting (open) public lands where wildfires might occur.

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