CAL FIRE says a Red Flag Warning will take effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday across portions of the Inland Empire and nearby desert and mountain communities, bringing a weather setup that can turn small sparks into fast-moving fire. The warning is set to stay in place until 11 a.m. Wednesday.
The areas under the warning include portions of the Inland Empire, the San Bernardino National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave Desert and the Southern Owens Valley. It is a short window, but it lands during the part of the week when critical fire weather conditions are expected to build across Southern California.
Hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and the potential for dry lightning are the mix behind the alert. That combination can support rapid fire spread, which is why residents are being urged to use caution with towing chains, outdoor equipment and campfires.
There is a sharp edge to the warning: the weather may be severe enough to accelerate any fire that starts, yet dry lightning is only a potential threat, not a confirmed event. Even without a storm already overhead, the conditions alone are enough for the National Weather Service and CAL FIRE to treat the period as high-risk for ignition and fast growth.
For people in the warned areas, the next step is straightforward. Stay aware of changing weather, avoid anything that could throw a spark, and have an evacuation plan ready if a wildfire breaks out before the warning expires Wednesday morning.
