Forecast of Thunderstorms Prompt Predictions of ‘Extreme Fire Behavior’ and Red Flag Warnings Throughout the Emerald Triangle

Thunderstorms predicted to rumble above northeastern Mendocino, eastern Humboldt, and throughout Trinity County have prompted a Red Flag Warning over the region. Dry vegetation on the ground, low relative humidity in the atmosphere, and the possibility of air-to-ground lightning strikes indicate the potential for extreme fire behavior that could occur between 11:00 a.m. tomorrow to 11:00 that night.

The National Weather Service, Eureka Office described the weather system contributing to these dangerous conditions: “…Mid level moisture will combine with elevated instability to bring a high potential of thunderstorm activity across interior areas of Northwest CA on Wednesday. A lack of moisture at lower levels of the airmass will promote a dry nature to cloud to ground Strikes.” The winds could gust up to 30-40 miles per hour and the National Weather Services “predicts any fires that develop will likely spread quickly.” Currently, Pacific Gas & Electric has stated there is no predicted Public Safety Power Shutoff in the next seven days, but that could change. Visit PG&E’s PSPS Forecast website to keep abreast of any updates. This dangerous weather event coincides with the Six River Lightning Fire Complex burning in eastern Humboldt and Trinity Counties. The burn area of the 20,000-acre fire lies in the midst of the region affected by the Red Flag Warning. The National Weather Service gathered the following safety tips to consider when approaching a red flag warning.

• If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
• Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
• Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

With the potential of a fast-growing wildfire, please review the following wildfire evacuation checklist curated by the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services. Please do not underestimate the threat to life posed by our region’s wildfires: