City of Palo Alto, CA

11/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 15:20

National Weather Service Red Flag Warning in Effect Nov. 5

National Weather Service Red Flag Warning in Effect Nov. 5

Published on November 04, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for most of the Bay Area, including Palo Alto due to critical fire weather conditions. The Red Flag Warning is in effect starting 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 5 through 7 a.m. Thursday, November 7 with 20 - 30 mph offshore winds and wind gusts to 50 mph expected. High winds could cause community impacts such as fallen trees and limbs, and power outages.

Palo Alto Fire Department Fire Station 8 will be staffed for 24 hours tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. (November 5th) through Wednesday evening at 8 p.m., and any extension is TBD. As a reminder, Fire Station 8 is staffed during wildfire season (continuous through the end of October) as part of our collaboration with Los Altos Hills County Fire District and Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District.

PG&E issued a notice to their customers that Public Safety Power Shutoffs are likely in their service areas, including portions of Santa Clara County. The City has not initiated any PSPS events at this time and will continue to monitor conditions and share community updates as needed. During high wildfire risk such as a Red Flag Warning, staffing increases to 24 hours. There are a few Palo Alto residents in the Palo Alto Foothills west of 280 served by PG&E who may be impacted by outages. If you are a Palo Alto resident served by PG&E, visit their website for information.

Open Space Restrictions

Foothills Nature Preserves will remain open, with increased monitoring and patrol by Park Rangers underway.

The following restrictions are in effect:

  • Closure of the charcoal barbecues at Foothills Nature Preserve
  • All Gathering / Special Use Permits will be reviewed, permits may be cancelled or transferred to another date if staff or public are exposed to unnecessary danger.
  • Reservations for the Oak Grove Group Picnic Area may not cook food on site.
  • Towle Campground continues to be closed.
  • Visitors are discouraged from traveling into the back country areas of the Foothills Nature Preserve.
  • No usage of powered equipment (e.g. mowers in rough areas, weed eaters, chainsaws, welders, and generators) outside of irrigated areas, unless extra protection fire safety measures are approved by the Supervising Park Ranger are implemented.
  • Maintenance of vegetation in irrigated areas is allowed.

Other Reminders and Resources