CONTACT US

Contact Form

    News Details

    Red flag warning in place for 5 Freeway north of LA for Wednesday and Thursday – increased fire danger
    • July 14, 2026

    5 Freeway north of LA is under a red flag warning which was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 1:28 p.m. The warning is valid from Wednesday noon until Thursday July 16, at 9 a.m.

    The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA states that the warning was issued for wind and low relative humidity. Residents can expect winds to be northwest to north winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 55 mph, strongest in Sundowner wind prone areas of southern Santa Barbara County and relative humidity 10 to 25%.

    “Strong northwest to north winds, hot temperatures, and low relative humidity will produce the potential for critical fire-weather conditions late Wednesday through early Thursday,” says the NWS. “If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior, rapid fire growth, and long range spotting, which could threaten life and property. The hot air mass will also contribute to the potential for significant vertical plume growth.”

    The full list of affected locations includes:

    • 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
    • Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast
    • Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast
    • Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range
    • Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range
    • Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains
    • Southern Ventura County Mountains
    • Northern Ventura County Mountains

    Emergency alerts in Southern California

    For “considerable or catastrophic” hazards, emergency alerts will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the area. To monitor lesser risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. How to sign up for alerts in your area:

    LA County

    Orange County

    Riverside County

    San Bernardino County

    What is the significance of a red flag warning?

    A red flag warning means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire spreading rapidly.

    What should you do under a red flag warning?

    During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:

    1. Secure burn barrels:

    If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

    2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:

    Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.

    3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

    To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.

    4. Never desert a blaze:

    Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.

    Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.

    For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page

     Orange County Register 

    News