Red Flag Warning in IE extended through Wednesday

REDLANDS, Calif. — A Red Flag Warning and Air Quality Alert remain in effect for the Inland Empire and surrounding areas, as gusty winds, low humidity, wildfire smoke, and windblown dust heighten fire danger and health risks.

The National Weather Service has extended the Red Flag Warning through 6 p.m. Wednesday for the San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys, including the San Bernardino Mountains and San Gorgonio Pass.

Winds are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph in canyons and along coastal slopes. Relative humidity levels remain critically low, between 11% and 15%.

“If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior,” the advisory warns.

The Inland Empire has already experienced high wind gusts causing downed power lines and sporadic outages, particularly in South Redlands.

Public safety power outage warnings were issued across south Redlands on Sunday morning. Areas shaded with orange indicate a warning, while areas with black stripes have the power shut off.

Fire Weather Precautions

The recent high wind events, widespread power outages, and devastating wildfires throughout Southern California have increased calls for emergency preparedness.

In a news release on Friday, the Redlands Fire Department reminded residents to prepare for emergencies ahead of time because, in California, wildfires are not a matter of “if” but “when.”

RFD recommends following Cal Fire’s three-step wildfire preparation program, “Ready, Set, Go.”

• Ready: Harden your home, create defensible space, select fire-resistant plants
• Set: Build a wildfire action plan, prepare your family, pack your “Go Bag”
• Go: Follow the evacuation guide, get your home ready, protect your animals

Redlands residents and businesses are also encouraged to take the following steps to stay informed:

• Register for the City’s Emergency Notification System. The system provides timely emergency notifications from the City, San Bernardino County, and State of California directly to mobile devices and computers through text and voice messages and email.
• Create an account with Southern California Edison and follow @sce on social media to receive timely notifications regarding power outages and other electrical safety-related issues. SCE is the best source of information regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
•  For up-to-date information and resources, the County of San Bernardino Office of Emergency Services has created an Extreme Wind Event webpage at Extreme Wind Event – Office of Emergency Services.

Other Resouces

Southern California Edison also provides a Critical Care Backup Battery Program for customers who require continuous electricity to operate medical equipment.

• Contact Southern California Edison or sign up for the program in preparation for future power outages.
• Anyone who requires emergency medical care related to electronic medical equipment during a PSPS is urged to call 911. Redlands Firefighter/Paramedics will quickly respond to provide lifesaving care.

Community Resource Centers (CRC) are provided by SCE to support customers during PSPS and other large public safety activations.

• Services include information, light snacks and resiliency kits.
• Customers may charge mobile devices and portable medical equipment.
• SCE offers in-language support and accommodates customers with disabilities or other access and functional needs.

The fire department urges that if you see a downed powerline or electrical hazard, call 911.

Air Quality Alert

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an Air Quality Alert due to elevated levels of fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke and dust.

A mandatory wood-burning ban is in place for the South Coast Air Basin, which encompasses non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

The ban applies through Sunday and prohibits burning wood, pellets, and manufactured fire logs, except in exempted areas above 3,000 feet or homes relying solely on wood for heat.

The advisory highlights the health risks posed by particle pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions, are urged to stay indoors with windows closed, use air purifiers, and avoid outdoor activities.

Residents are advised to monitor air quality levels via aqmd.gov or the South Coast AQMD mobile app.