Hot, dry weather and some of the strongest wind gusts of the season are in the forecast for Southern California's mountain and valley communities, where fire weather warnings were in effect Wednesday.
Fire Weather Safety: LAFD Ready, Set, Go
Red flag warnings, indicating increased wildfire danger, were issued Tuesday in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains. A red flag warning, that went into effect at 6 a.m. in the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, and valley and forest areas of Ventura County, remained in effect until 9 p.m.
The warning covers a widespread portion of Southern California, where months of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation added to the wildfire threat during the state's third-consecutive dry year.
Northeast winds of between 15 and 30 mph are expected with gusts of up to 50 mph. A wind advisory was issued for the Santa Clarita Valley, both the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains, and the valleys of Ventura County.
In Los Angeles, firefighters pre-deployed additional resources Tuesday night. Additional firefighters were positioned at neighborhood fire stations in high-risk areas.
The increased resources include 11 engines and five brush patrols that consist of off-road capable trucks used to access remote areas. The trucks have water and hose equipment.
Los Angeles city parking restrictions had not gone into effect Wednesday morning.
Additional engines, crews and bulldozers also were deployed by the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The department also has a firefighter helicopter on standby through Thursday night.
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In Riverside County, fire officials prepared firefighting air tankers and helicopters earlier than usual on Wednesday. Additional staffing and equipment also were deployed in Ventura County.
Temperatures hovered in the high 70s to the high 80s in some parts of Southern California.
"All of these areas where we have the winds blowing are warmer than they were at this time yesterday," said NBC4 forecaster Crystal Egger.
