The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.

A Red Flag Warning (which is the highest alert) is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours.

A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.

The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above.

Rocklin Fire is participating in an educational program along with fire departments throughout Placer County to raise awareness to these conditions by putting red flags in front of each fire station on days determined to be Red Flag days by the National Weather Service. These flags are provided as an educational tool and a reminder to be alert during these times of elevated wildfire risk. Red flag warnings do not change general fire restrictions in Rocklin; however, they do in some of our surrounding communities. If you plan to play and recreate in these areas, please know the current restrictions.

Additional Resources

More information on Red Flag Warnings can be found here: Placer County Red Flag Warning AWARENESS Program

The National Weather Service provides information for current Fire Watches and Fire Warnings here: California Fire Weather

To sign up to receive emergency alerts, please visit: Placer Alert