- Public Advised of Extreme Fire Danger Due to High Winds and Low Humidity Today through Thursday at 4pm
- No power shutoff in Oakland is anticipated, per PG&E
Oakland, CA – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the East Bay Hills and the City of Oakland starting at noon today until 4pm on Thursday, October 24th. They also issued a Wind Advisory for the East Bay Hills and North Bay mountains from 6am Wednesday through 3pm Thursday.
The National Weather Service predicts that: “Northerly winds will increase by late Wednesday afternoon and continue to be strong and gusty through at least Thursday morning. North to northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph are likely. Locally higher gusts are possible on the highest ridges and peaks. These strong winds will create critical fire weather conditions. Strongest winds expected from Wednesday evening through mid-morning Thursday.”
Currently, the City of Oakland has NOT been advised by PG&E of any plans to turn off the power in Oakland as part of their Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
In addition to the Oakland Fire Department’s normal operations, firefighters will conduct roving fire patrols in the Oakland Hills. These resources will augment the department’s normal hill company patrols that are out during high fire danger. Additionally, a State of California Office of Emergency Services engine is pre-positioned in Oakland, and OFD crews will be on stand-by; patrols and staffing may be lengthened or shortened depending on conditions.
OFD Fire Inspectors will also be patrolling Joaquin Miller Park, which is closed on Red Flag Days, to inform the public present at the park of the closure request that they leave the park. The park closure shall be lifted once the Red Flag conditions have subsided and the National Weather Service has lifted the warning for our regional area.
Help Reduce the Chance of Wildfire in Oakland
- In addition to Joaquin Miller Park, other parks, trails, and recreational facilities may also be closed to visitors due to the high risk of fire.
- Barbeques are prohibited in all City parks when there is a Red Flag warning in effect.
- The Oakland Fire Department urges extreme caution because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.
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What is a Red Flag Warning?
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. Firefighters will raise red flags at fire stations to warn residents of extreme fire weather, as warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.