Red Flag Warnings Activate No Parking Rule in Mission Canyon

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT ) - With the high heat and a red flag alert from the National Weather Service comes a special notice to drivers in one area just above the City of Santa Barbara in the foothills.

 In Mission Canyon, on Tunnel Road up to a popular hiking trail, you will see warning signs.

They alert drivers to 'no parking' zones during a red flag high fire emergency, like the one declared today and tomorrow.

When that happens cars parking on the side of the road where hikers like to start their walks, are in violation.

Some of the hikers we ran in to said they did not know what a red flag warning meant, especially when it comes to parking.

The policy was put in to place after the 2009 Jesusita fire, which ripped through the area and destroyed 80 homes.

Property owners do not want to be evacuating at the same time hikers and their vehicles are also leaving the area.

Colin Martz, a hiker coming down Tunnel Trail Wednesday morning, said, "I was looking to see where the no parking signs were but the zones were kind of confusing. I saw that this was maybe less no parking signs."

An L.A. resident visiting the area, Monica Villegas found the trail on a Google search, drove up, parked and went for a walk.

"It's my first time here. I did notice the sign at the gate but I'm already in here. I'm too committed."

The California Highway Patrol has been patrolling in the area and is responsible for enforcement, ticketing and towing if necessary.

 Also in the area is the Botanic Gardens and it has a policy to close on red flag days.

 A sign about that is out at the base of the road as well for drivers headed that way.

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