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Red flag warning in place for 5 Freeway north of LA until Thursday morning – enhanced fire threat

July 15, 2026

5 Freeway north of LA is under a red flag warning which was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 2:46 p.m. The warning is in effect until Thursday July 16, at 9 a.m.

Expect winds to be northwest to north winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 50 mph, strongest in Sundowner wind prone areas of southern Santa Barbara County and relative humidity 10 to 25%.

“Gusty northwest to north winds, hot temperatures, and low relative humidity will produce the potential for critical fire-weather conditions through early Thursday,” according to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. “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 signifies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently in effect or will be shortly, as stated by the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.

What steps should you follow during a red flag warning?

A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:

1. Bolster burn barrel safety:

If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Responsible disposal of smoking materials:

Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.

3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:

To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it’s thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from live charcoal unattended.

4. Never desert a blaze:

Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.

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

Red flag warning in place for 5 Freeway north of LA until Thursday morning – enhanced fire threat Orange County Register

News Details

Red flag warning in place for 5 Freeway north of LA until Thursday morning – enhanced fire threat

Emergency alerts in Southern California

What is the significance of a red flag warning?

What steps should you follow during a red flag warning?

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