Red Flag Days warn of extreme fire danger
As fall arrives and the fire season is drawing to a close for most of
the state, it is just beginning for coastal areas such as El Cerrito.
El Cerrito's Fire Department alerts resident of days when fire danger
is particularly high by flying red flag pennants on fire station flag
poles.
Red Flag Days are declared by the National Weather Service based on wind,
temperature and humidity conditions. El Cerrito typically experiences
six to 20 Red Flag Days each year, all after Sept. 1. The fire season
is not considered at an end until the area has had about 100 hours of
rainy weather.
In addition to flying red flags, the city increases patrols of areas
such as the Hillside Natural Area and sends additional fire engines to
reports of fire with the help of its mutual response agreements with Berkeley,
Richmond and the Contra Costa Fire District. -- From report by Interim
Fire Chief Mark Scott.
Run dates: 1999-10-01 - 2000-01-07 |
