Critical fire weather conditions for Sacramento Valley Monday
Strong winds and low humidity will increase fire weather danger throughout the area. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Tuesday morning.
Critical fire weather conditions will be present Monday and into Tuesday for portions of the Sacramento Valley in California.
Fire weather outlook for the Sacramento Valley in California on Monday, September 20, 2021. (Photo: NWS Sacramento)
Strong winds and low humidity will increase fire weather danger throughout the area. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Tuesday morning.
Wind gusts are forecasted to be upwards of 40 mph in some spots.
Forecasted wind gusts for the Sacramento Valley in California on Monday, September 20, 2021. (Photo: NWS Sacramento)
With gusty winds and low humidity, officials are worried about fires starting and the potential for rapid spread of fires.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and to avoid using equipment that creates sparks.
Current fires in the area
MODIS Active Fire Detections - September 20, 2021. (Photo: USDS Forest Service/ nwcg.gov)
While officials are worried about fires starting, the low humidity and windy conditions do not help the fires that are already happening in the state.
Firefighters are battling 11 active wildfires in California, and CAL FIRE says that 2.3 million acres have already been burned statewide.
One of the largest fires within this Red Flag warning, the Dixie Fire, is still a concern. The wildfire started on July 13, 2021 and has already burned 963,195 acres. It is said to be 90% contained.
As of Monday morning, crews were testing containment lines because of the strong winds in the Dixie Fire's western zone. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group says that the isolated flare ups are being contained as efforts strengthen along the containment lines.