Oakland, California – A critical fire weather threat looms over the interior East Bay, the eastern Santa Clara Hills, and the Gabilan Range in Monterey and San Benito Counties through the weekend. Residents should prepare for quickly spreading grass fires due to elevated wind gusts and critically low humidity.
According to the US National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California, wind gusts between 25 to 40 mph and afternoon humidities of 15 to 25 percent are expected. This combination significantly increases the risk of rapid fire spread in dry brush and vegetation. The advisory, updated Thursday, June 19, at 4:00 AM PDT, targets the East Bay Hills, eastern Santa Clara Hills, and the Gabilan Range of San Benito and Monterey counties.
This increased risk means any new fire starts could quickly become large and difficult to control. Residents in areas like Livermore, Milpitas, and Salinas should be especially vigilant. Cal Fire advises securing tow chains to avoid dragging, properly extinguishing cigarette butts, and having water readily available near open flames. Avoid using equipment that could create sparks, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
These conditions are similar to those seen in past fire seasons that led to rapid fire growth across the region. The threat remains in effect through Sunday, with the potential for further advisories if conditions worsen. Residents should stay informed and follow all local emergency management recommendations.
