RED FLAG WARNING EXPECTED SUNDAY: CAL FIRE OFFERS TIPS TO REDUCE FIRE RISK

SDG&E now offers critical weather page to look up conditions in your neighborhood

January 11, 2014 (San Diego's East County ) -- A red flag warning for a moderate to strong Santa Ana Wind event along with low humidity is expected Sunday evening through Wednesday afternoon for San Diego County. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are likely with some isolated gusts of 65 mph on some ridge tops and canyons.

“Though Cal Fire has year round staffing in Southern California, these conditions warrant adding additional resources on for the duration of the red flag conditions that bring an elevated threat of wildfire," said Chief Dale Hutchinson, Cal Fire's Southern Region Chief. Cal Fire has placed additional firefighters on duty to staff extra equipment to augment normal staffing levels in the areas affected.

Cal Fire is asking everyone to be extra cautious during the heightened fire danger period in order to prevent wildfires. One less spark means one less wildfire. Be aware of the following activity restrictions and tips:

Cal Fire offers the following fire prevention tips:

· Don’t mow or trim dry grass on windy days

· Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass

· Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it’s windy

· Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets

· Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely

· Make sure all portable gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters

· Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson

For more fire prevention tips visit www.PreventWildfireCA.org and for evacuation tips visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

SDG&E has set up a critical weather page where you can look up your address or zip code and get specific information on fire danger in your area:

http://www.sdge.com/tools/windspeed-dashboard