Residents of Orange County should prepare for more wind activity and heightened fire danger today and tomorrow, as the National Weather Service has issued high wind and red flag warnings for the region.
High wind warning
From 6 a.m. on Thursday to 6 a.m. on Friday, elevated northeast winds are expected in Orange County. While some forecasts indicate winds above 10 mph, the National Weather Service warns of potential gusts reaching beyond 50 mph in certain inland areas. These conditions may lead to fallen trees, scattered debris and power outages.
Red flag warning
Based on these strong winds and low humidity levels — as low as 10 percent — a red flag warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for inland Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains.
These kinds of conditions prompt red flag warnings because they significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and take additional precautions to prevent accidental fires.
Los Angeles County
As Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean shared on Wednesday, our thoughts are with our neighbors and colleagues in Los Angeles County, where multiple wildfires are causing significant devastation.
The Palisades Fire, among others, has led to evacuations and property loss. As of Thursday morning, the largest fire in Pacific Palisades had grown to over 17,000 acres, causing massive destruction and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate.
“As neighboring counties, we share not only a geographical connection but also a commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis,” Dr. Bean said. “Orange County stands ready to assist and provide resources to help minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of education and services for those affected.”
Recommendations
- Avoid fire-starting activities. During periods of high winds or low humidity, avoid activities that could ignite a fire, such as using outdoor power tools, welding equipment or starting open flames like campfires or barbecues. Even small sparks can lead to devastating fires in these conditions. For more tips, visit the CAL FIRE website.
- Make fire preparedness plans. Prepare a tailored plan in advance of any emergency that includes essential evacuation steps. Pack a Go Bag, and remember the 6 P’s: people and pets, papers and important documents, prescriptions, pictures, personal devices (including chargers), and plastic (credit cards and cash). For more details, visit readyforwildfire.org.
- Secure outdoor items during wind events. Ensure that loose objects like patio furniture are secured to prevent them from becoming hazards during high winds.
- Stay informed. Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities for the latest information.
- Monitor air quality. Be aware that air quality may be affected by smoke from regional fires. Limit outdoor activities if air quality deteriorates. For ongoing updates on air quality, visit the AQMD air quality webpage.
For all official information on local fires, evacuations and road closures, be sure to follow the Orange County Fire Authority on X, formerly known as Twitter.