What does Red Flag warning mean? Weather service issues severe fire warning for LA and Ventura counties

A red flag warning for Wednesday has been issued for Southern California as concerns about the fast-growing wildfires increasing. The warning covers all of Ventura County to the inland areas of San Diego County.

According to the Weather.gov website, this is what a Red Flag Warning means:

"Red Flag Warnings alert fire managers on federal lands to conditions that are highly unfavorable for prescribed burns and that may lead to especially dangerous wildfire growth."

Per the website, the warning typically entails warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds, all contributing to the increased risk of fire danger.

Everything we know about the preparations for the Red Flag Warning so far as Governor Newsom swears officials are doing everything they can

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On Monday, January 13, firefighters were seen trying to contain the Eaton and Palisades Fires by drawing containment lines and sorting out the final steps in preparation for the windstorm that is to come.

This windstorm is expected to pass through Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, and sections of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Gusts of wind are expected to clock in between 45 mph and 70 mph, triggering the issue of a red flag warning.

Officials have made progress in the last few days, given that the winds died down. Thus, an aerial campaign was executed, halting the spread of the Palisades fire to Brentwood and Encino. Per the LA Times, authorities are pushing to keep the aircraft in use on Tuesday, though it remains unclear if the weather will allow it.

The fires started exactly a week ago and have intensified over the last few days because of the dry vegetation and strong winds. Thousands of residents were pushed out of their homes, while scores lost their homes, schools, and more. The fires have already been labeled the most ghastly in the city's history, given the sheer intensity of the damages caused.

As for the red flag warning, all containment efforts will be impacted, given the expected high winds, which will begin early on Tuesday, January 14, and go on through the following day. In a statement to People Magazine on January 13, Governor Gavin Newsom vowed:

"We’re working in real-time to ensure a fast and organized recovery effort – giving Angelenos the tools they need to rebuild faster and stronger. California has been here before: we know what effective wildfire recovery requires, and we’re using that experience to move faster than ever to support those impacted by these devastating fires."

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The governor added,

"The road ahead is difficult, but California is doing all we can to help Los Angeles rebuild and move forward."

Los Angeles Fire Department Kristin Crowley doubled down on the claims during a Palisades Fire press conference, saying,

"While we witnessed significant loss, we saw many successes in the efforts to save lives and protect property. Containing the fires remains the top priority. When the time comes for recovery, we're committed to a unified effort across the agencies to support the affected communities."

As of Monday, the Palisades Fire alone scorched well over 23,700 acres of land, with only 14% of it being contained. The Eaton Fire left 14,100 acres of destruction in its wake, with 33% being contained, the LA Times has reported. Per an official update from the California Fire Department on X, the Hurst Fire has claimed 799 acres, though 97% of it has been contained.