A Severe Red Flag Warning is in effect for affected areas of California through 16 October 2026, 10:00, the National Weather Service has issued. The warning was issued October 14 at 10:14AM PDT and is in effect from 14 October 2026, 10:14 until 16 October 2026, 10:00. Affected areas include Sierra Nevada of Tehama-Butte-Plumas Counties Between 1000-3000 ft; Sierra Nevada of Tehama-Butte-Plumas Counties Above 3000 ft; Northern Motherlode Between 1000-3000 ft; Sierra Nevada of Yuba-Sierra-Nevada-Placer Counties Between 3000-5000 ft Including Interstate 80; Sierra Nevada of Sierra-Nevada-Placer Counties Above 5000 ft Including Interstate 80; Central Motherlode Between 1000-3000 ft; Sierra Nevada of El Dorado and Amador Counties Between 3000-5000 ft Including Highway 50; Sierra Nevada of El Dorado-Amador-Northern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ft Including Highway 50; Southern Motherlode Between 1000-3000 ft; Sierra Nevada of Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties Between 3000-5000 ft; Sierra Nevada of Calaveras-Tuolumne-Southern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ft.
What this means: the advisory indicates conditions that may support rapid fire spread. Northeast to east winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 25 to 45 mph and daytime humidity 10 to 25% with single digits possible and very poor overnight recoveries are expected. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly and outdoor burning is not recommended.
Safety guidance: If you work in the field, please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning and follow instructions from the NWS or local emergency services. Call 911 for immediate threats to life or property. Avoid all outdoor burning and open flames, properly discard smoking materials, and maintain or clear defensible space around structures. Be prepared to evacuate if local authorities advise doing so and keep phone and emergency supplies accessible.
