Marin County, CA -- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for strong offshore winds and critically low humidity for the North Bay, including Point Reyes National Seashore, interior valleys, and mountains. It is in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday, October 29, to 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 30.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) has notified the County that it may activate its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols in Marin County.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected during this time frame with a combination of strong and gusty north to northeast winds, with gusts up to 55 mph possible across the highest peaks, and low relative humidity ranging from 8-20%.
The affected area includes both lower and higher terrain areas of Marin County.
The concerns of this weather system are that fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution during the Red Flag warning because a simple spark could cause a major wildfire, including the use of equipment and machinery as well as smoking.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and CAL FIRE have approved the strategic prepositioning and increased staffing of critical fire resources to include one strike team, one water tender, 1 fire Dozer, and additional Dispatchers and Chief Officers throughout the county during the Red Flag Warning.
The following land-use restrictions are in effect for the Marin Municipal Water District, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Marin Open Space, and The Point Reyes National Seashore during the Red Flag conditions.
- Closures at Sky Oaks, Natalie Coffin Green Park (Ross), and Leo Cronin Parking Lot, MMWD
- Mount Vision Road, Inverness and Stinson Beach Parking Lot (National Park Service)
- All open burning and burn permits are suspended on public lands
- Closures to Mount Tamalpais State Park - Roads north of Panoramic Highway are closed to motor vehicle traffic on Pantoll Road and Ridgecrest Boulevard. All park use permits north of Panoramic Highway are suspended, including filming.
Here are other useful phone numbers:
- The Mount Tamalpais State Park information number is 415-388-2070.
- The Marin Municipal Water District information number is 415-945-1195.
- The Marin County Fire Information Hotline number is 415-473-7191.
Defensible space and home hardening are essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire.
To register for emergency alerts, visit www.alertmarin.org. To learn more about preparing for wildfire, visit www.firesafemarin.org.