Gusty Winds + Very Low Humidity = Extreme Fire Weather

Hold on to your hats and fire extinguishers, L.A.! The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory until 3pm this afternoon and a red flag warning until 6pm today. The LAFD has also issued a red flag alert for the City of L.A.

Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are currently blowing across L.A and Ventura counties. The strongest winds are expected over mountain areas. Wind gusts of up to 60mph will most likely blast through the Santa Clarita Valley and the western and northern portions of the San Fernando Valley. The rest of L.A. County should brace for gusting winds of 45mph.

Heavy winds typically prompt fire warnings, and a red flag warning has been issued until 6pm this evening. Mountain, valley and coastal areas will experience strong northeast winds and very low relative humidity in L.A. and Ventura counties.

Strong winds can potentially knock down power lines, and should any fires ignite, the risk of the blaze rapidly spreading across both counties is high.

Citizens in brush areas are asked to take the following precautions, per a release.

*Report any sign of smoke immediately to your local fire department by dialing 911 (If you dial 911 from your cellular phone, you MUST know your location)

*Use extreme caution when operating spark or flame-producing machinery in hazardous grass or brush areas.

*If you live in a brush area, you should have a Wildfire Action Plan in place. Be familiar with the Ready! Set! Go! program that provides important pre-planning and evacuation information to residents. Go to www.fire.lacounty.gov for more information.

*Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to law enforcement.

Additionally, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has issued a red flag alert for the City of L.A. as of 8pm Tuesday. These alerts are called when the forecasted wind speed is 25mph or more and the relative humidity is 15% or less. Parking restrictions are in effect as of Wednesday at 8am and the LAFD and Department of Transportation will remove illegally parked vehicles in posted locations within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. For more information on red flag parking restrictions, click here.