A Severe Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of California through 17 October 2026, 20:00, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The alert covers: Santa Clarita Valley; Ventura County Beaches; Ventura County Inland Coast; Lake Casitas; Ojai Valley; Central Ventura County Valleys; Malibu Coast; Calabasas and Agoura Hills; Western San Fernando Valley; Eastern San Fernando Valley; Southeastern Ventura County Valleys; Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley.
This Red Flag Warning is Severe, with Urgency: Expected and Certainty: Likely. It is in effect from 16 October 2026, 17:42 until 17 October 2026, 20:00. The official description notes moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds, low relative humidity, and a high risk for rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior if ignition occurs.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will shortly. Conditions may be favorable for extreme fire behavior with any new fire starts. Use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire and be prepared to evacuate if a wildfire breaks out, as advised by the NWS.
If you are in the affected areas, call 911 for immediate emergencies and follow guidance from NWS and local authorities or emergency services. Avoid all outdoor burning and open flames, properly discard cigarettes, keep defensible space clear of dry vegetation, and be prepared to evacuate if instructed. See readyforwildfire.org and wildfirerisk.org for preparedness information.
