
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can create extreme fire behavior.
The National Weather Service provides daily fire weather forecasts in close coordination with local fire agencies. The Red Flag Warning Program enables firefighting agencies to manage critical resources and prepare appropriate suppression responses for protecting life and property. Red Flag Warnings are typically issued within 24 hours of an impending critical fire weather event.
Red Flag Warning Text Alerts
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with local fire officials to create a text messaging system for local residents when a Red Flag Warning is issued in Santa Barbara County. Sign up for ReadySBC Alerts (through ReadySBC.org and ReadySBC.org/es) to receive notifications on multiple hazards impacting our area, including Red Flag Warnings. Additionally, Red Flag Warning information is posted on ReadySBC.org via an alert banner on the homepage in English and Spanish, plus shared via social media bilingually.
Current Weather Conditions
For today’s Fire Weather Planning Forecast for Southwestern California from the National Weather Service.