CAL FIRE issued a red flag fire weather warning for portions of the Inland Empire and surrounding desert and mountain communities beginning Tuesday evening. The warning takes effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday and lasts until 11 a.m. Wednesday, covering a short overnight window when fire starts can spread fast.
Hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and the potential for dry lightning are the conditions behind the warning. The National Weather Service and CAL FIRE use Red Flag Warnings when weather is expected to significantly increase the risk of wildfire ignition and rapid fire growth.
Inland Empire and desert areas
Areas under the warning include portions of the Inland Empire, the San Bernardino National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave Desert and the Southern Owens Valley. That puts inland communities and nearby desert and mountain areas under the same weather alert at the same time, rather than in separate advisories.
Residents are urged to use caution with towing chains, outdoor equipment and campfires. Fire officials also encouraged people to stay aware of changing weather conditions and to have an evacuation plan in place should a wildfire occur.
Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The warning is temporary, ending Wednesday morning, but the forecast still points to a period when fire can spread quickly if one starts. The practical takeaway is simple: limit anything that could spark a fire before the warning begins, and keep an evacuation plan ready through the morning expiration time.
Whether any evacuations, road restrictions or fire incidents occur during the warning period is not stated. For people in the warned areas, the critical window is Tuesday evening through late Wednesday morning.
