LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With the National Weather Service’s Eureka office forecasting fire weather conditions in Lake County on Friday afternoon, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in conjunction with local fire districts, is urging residents and visitors to exercise particular caution.
“Fire weather” is a term used when hot temperatures combine with low relative humidity and gusty winds to increase the risk of fire starts and rapid spread, OES said.
The National Weather Service also has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday due to high temperatures up to 107 degrees throughout Lake County.
OES and fire officials are asking people to follow simple tips to avoid starting a fire.
Those tips include:
• Do not drive onto tall vegetation;
• Do not participate in any spark producing activities including, but not limited to, outdoor welding or grinding and mowing.
• When towing, ensure chains are not dragging.
• Do not conduct outdoor cooking, such as barbecues, near dry vegetation. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Beyond Friday, daytime temperatures also are expected to top the century mark on Saturday before dropping into the high 90s on Sunday and the lower 90s early next week. Conditions at night are anticipated to be in the low to mid 60s.
While the temperatures remain high, officials remind community members to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside, rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
Lake County OES’ website has additional preparedness information including how-to pack a go-bag on a reduced budget video, children’s activities and links to other agency websites.
Follow Lake County OES, Lake County Sheriff and fire districts on social media for ongoing information.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Officials urge caution due to Friday fire weather conditions
- Elizabeth Larson
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