Placer County Red Flag Warning AWARENESS Program

RECOGNIZE. LEARN. PREPARE. 

Placer County has launched a new Red Flag Warning Awareness Program, where fire agency participants will display red flags in visible locations on red flag warning days to alert residents to times of elevated wildfire risk. 

What is a Red Flag warning?

The National Weather Service issues red flag warnings to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.

A red flag warning is issued for weather events that may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours and could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest fire alert. During these times extreme caution is urged for all residents because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.

What does a Red Flag Warning mean for me? It’s SIMPLE! 

• Sign up for Placer Alert*
• Include a Go Bag* in your plan
• Monitor local first responders’ social accounts 
• Prepare for quick evacuation(**Follow Placer County Sheriff Office's Facebook and Twitter for evacuation information**)
• Learn wildfire safety tips*
• Ensure you have a full tank of gas

 *These actions should be done BEFORE a red flag warning, but the flags can serve as a reminder to ensure these actions are completed*

What does a Red Flag Warning mean for our fire agencies?

During heightened fire danger, CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit / Placer County Fire Department will place additional firefighters on duty, staff more fire engines, and keep more equipment on 24 hours a day to be able to respond to any new fires. 

 Do red flag warnings affect fire restrictions? 

Individual fire districts can implement area-specific burn restrictions as a result of red flag warnings. Residents should check with their local fire departments to confirm local fire ban information. 

Heeding red flag warnings is part of being ready for wildfire 

The Placer County Red Flag Warning Awareness Program is part of the larger Ready Placer effort. Ready Placer, an education campaign from the Placer County Office of Emergency Services, is a collective effort among county partners who work together to help ensure Placer residents are ready and prepared for emergencies. Learn more at ReadyPlacer.org    

Who is participating in the program?

• CAL FIRE NEU/Placer County Fire Department -- Website / Facebook / Twitter 
• Foresthill Fire Protection District -- Website 
• Northstar Fire Department --  Website 
• South Placer Fire District -- Website / Facebook / Twitter
• Truckee Fire Protection District -- Website / Facebook / Twitter
• Rocklin Fire Department -- Website / Facebook 
• City of Auburn Fire Department -- Website / Facebook 
• City of Lincoln Fire Department -- Website / Facebook 
• Olympic Valley Fire Department -- Website / Facebook 
• Roseville Fire Department -- Website / Facebook / Twitter  
• Placer Hills Fire District -- Website / Facebook
• North Tahoe Fire Protection District -- Website / Facebook / Twitter
• Penryn Fire Protection District -- Website / Facebook