Red Flag Weather Conditions Prompt Closures In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — A red flag warning is in effect for parts of Marin County and the North Bay. The warning went into effect at 10 p.m. Sunday and will last through 8 p.m. Monday for elevations above 1,000 feet in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties.

Strong off shore winds with gusts up to 30 to 45 miles per hour and low relative humidity ranging from 15 to 25 percent is expected in the region, according to the National Weather Service.

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," weather officials said. "A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

High winds and dry conditions prompted restrictions on public recreation areas in Marin.

The Sky Oaks watershed of the Marin Municipal Water District on Mount Tamalpais, Leo Cronin parking lot in Lagunitas, Mount Vision Road in Inverness, and Natalie Coffin Green Park in Ross are closed during the red flag conditions.

Mount Tamalpais State Park roads north of Panoramic Highway on Pantoll Road and Ridgecrest Boulevard are closed to motor vehicle traffic until 7 a.m. Tuesday.

All open burning and burn permits are suspended on public lands, officials said. All park use permits north of Panoramic Highway are also suspended, including filming.

The Marin County Fire Chiefs Association warned that any wildfire could spread rapidly.

"Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution during the red flag warning because a simple spark could cause a major wildfire, including the use of equipment and machinery as well as smoking," fire officials said.