A red flag warning has been issued for the mountain areas of Santa Barbara County through Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service, for zone CAZ252 on the accompanying map. Because of strong winds, relative low humidity, and hot temperatures, officials believe that “critical fire weather conditions” are either occurring now or will in the near future.
Most inland locations are experiencing temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees, with minimum humidities ranging between 15 to 25 percent. Mountain areas are especially vulnerable, experts say, and “sundowner winds” will continue each night into the week with gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range.
The fire department is advising people to take precautions including reporting any sign of smoke, using “extreme caution” when operating machinery, and creating an evacuation plan.