Santa Barbara County Fire Danger Now at Critical Level

Two key factors have combined to create a critical fire danger, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

“Live Fuel Moisture” (LFM) is measured by firefighters to determine if vegetation would burn more quickly during a brush fire. A level of 60% is considered critical, and some brush in Santa Barbara County has reached that threshold. Other areas are still listed as below critical.

The “chamise” plant is gathered in five locations across the county: Tepesquet, Harris Grade, Cachuma, Refugio and West Gaviota. The plant is allowed to dry out for five days. The dried plant is then compared to fresh clippings, to determine how much LFM is still inside the shrub.

Other factors also worry firefighters, including outbreaks of Bark Beetles and Sudden Oak Death which contribute to more dead trees that become fuel in a serious brush fire.

Just as the new LFM results were released, the National Weather Service issued a new “Red Flag Warning” for the mountains of Santa Barbara County until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday.

A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, due to a combination of strong winds, reduced humidity and hotter temperatures.

The Weather Service has determined those conditions will continue until later Tuesday evening. “Sundowner” winds, that bring hot dry winds down the slopes of Santa Barbara county mountains are expected with gusts up to 20 or 30 miles per hour. Temperatures in valley locations away from the coast will top 100 degrees.

Anyone who sees smoke is urged to call 911 immediately, and to know your exact location if calling from a cell phone.

Other warnings include using extreme caution when operating any spark or flame-producing machinery such as a lawn mower or a weed whacker.