Red Flag Warnings Issued For Parts Of SoCal

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Red flag warnings for parts of Southern California are in effect as a result of strong winds, dry conditions and warm temperatures.

A warning for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties went into effect at 7 p.m. Sunday.  It is expected to expire by 4 p.m. Monday.

Meteorologist Kaj Goldberg, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, says a strong ridge of high pressure is expected to continue its path in a northeasterly direction, bringing dry air and warm
temperatures to the region.

Meanwhile, CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter Amanda Burden was dispatched to Santa Clarita where she called to residents and firefighters.

Santa Clarita resident Brian Manning said, "Several years ago, we were all evacuated out here because of a big wildfire. That obviously affects the kids and the family and the dog. It's always a concern this time of year.

Manning says he takes precautions this time of year. "There's a lot of stuff we do around the house, take down the umbrellas, the retractable awning, close the windows, just make sure all the toys are in the house."

LAPD Battalion Chief Anthony Marrone also warns residents about the winds. "It's going to get pretty bad, we think about 3 o'clock we're going to have some very strong winds, not only sustained winds, but we could have some very strong gusts."

Because the vegetation is bone dry and because the weather is unseasonably warm, firefighters are keeping a watchful eye.

Says Marrone, "We've hired lots of additional resources that are going to be on duty tonight, through tomorrow morning. We're going to be ready at all the neighborhood fire stations to respond in an attempt to keep any fire we get as small as possible."

Manning told Burden his family has a fire plan mapped out in case a blaze breaks out near his home. He says it's part of living in Santa Clarita.

"Everybody in Santa Clarita knows the 5 Freeway, there's one way in and one way out. In case of a fire you're kinda stuck so you just have to deal with it and take it step by step."

Meteorologists say a cool down is expected by Thursday with a possible chance of showers.

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