Red Flag Warning

Sierra Madre, CA September 22, 2009, 11:00 a.m. – Red Flag Warning

A Red Flag Warning has been issued and will continue through Thursday due to the forecast of winds gusting to 35 mph and a prolonged period of relative low humidity. Santa Ana winds are predicted for late this evening. Due to the increase in temperatures, wind, and a decrease of humidity over the next few days, City and Fire Officials will be in constant communications with the Station Fire Incident Command Team.

The Station Fire, which began on August 26th, has burned 160,557 acres and is now 94% contained. Fire Officials have located “hot spots” in the Mt. Wilson area using thermal imaging technology. Aircraft began dropping water on these spots on Saturday and will continue through this week as needed. The intent of these drops is to extinguish the remaining interior hotspots and reduce the risk of embers igniting additional fuels during the anticipated hot, dry and windy weather. Over 350,000 gallons of water have been dropped since Saturday to extinguish these “hot spots” and fortify the containment lines that are designed to protect the foothill communities.

The Station Fire does not pose an imminent threat to Sierra Madre at this time and there are no evacuation orders in place or anticipated. City Officials will issue updates throughout the Red Flag Warning event and as necessary.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to encourage residents to maintain a heightened level of emergency preparation. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

For updates and future emergency information, please be sure to monitor the City’s Communication Tools;

City Website (www.cityofsierramadre.com)
SMTV3, (channel 3 on Time Warner Cable)
Sierra Madre Emergency Blog (www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.)
Email Alerts “eBlasts” - To register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.