Marin County, CA -- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay mountains above 2,000 feet from 11 p.m. Friday, May 7, to 6 a.m. Monday, May 10.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected during this time frame for strong wind gusts and dry conditions. The affected area includes higher terrain areas of Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and East Bay counties.
The concerns with this weather system are that wildfires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Erratic gusty winds may result in dangerous and unpredictable fire behavior. 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.
All National Park Service beaches in Marin will remain open, but the following land-use restrictions will be in effect for the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), Mount Tamalpais State Park, and Marin County Open Space District preserves during the Red Flag conditions.
- MMWD closures at Sky Oaks, Natalie Coffin Green Park (Ross), Leo Cronin Parking Lot
- Closure of Fairfax Bolinas Road
- All open burning and burn permits are suspended on public lands
- Closures of Mount Tamalpais State Park; roads north of Panoramic Highway are closed to motor vehicle traffic on Pantoll Road and Ridgecrest Boulevard.
- Pedestrian and cyclist access to Mount Tamalpais will remain open.
- All park use permits north of Panoramic Highway are suspended, including filming.
Helpful phone numbers:
- Mount Tamalpais State Park, (415) 388-2070
- Marin Municipal Water District, (415) 945-1195
- Marin County Fire Information Hotline, (415) 473-7191
Defensible space is essential to improve a 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.