The National Weather Service declared a red flag warning for 6 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday for the south coast and mountains of Santa Barbara County due to gusty north to northeast winds and low relative humidity.
According to the Montecito Fire Protection District, a red flag warning means there is or will be high risks of fires because of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures.
The fire department said north winds are expected to reach 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, except for gusts up to 60 mph near the Montecito Hills. Fire crews said these winds are anticipated to be strongest Sunday evening into the overnight hours.
The Montecito Fire Protection District also said the relative humidity will fall to 8-15 percent early Monday morning, except for 20-30 percent for the south coast.
If fires spark, these weather conditions would "be favorable for extreme fire behavior," which would threaten life and property, according to fire personnel.
The fire department has increased staffing due to the red flag warning, including two type IV patrols and one type III engine.
Fire crews have not yet identified any potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs which would impact Montecito residents.
