Red Flag Fire Warning Issued for North Bay Hills

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for fire danger in the North Bay hills for Wednesday through Thursday morning, saying offshore winds combined with very low relative humidity increase the chance of a wildfire.

The warning caused the National Park Service to place additional restrictions on public use of several public lands in Marin, including Golden Gate National Recreation Area lands around Mill Valley, along with Muir Woods National Monument, the Marin Headlands and Point Reyes National Seashore.

The park service placed the following public restrictions on GGNRA lands in Marin, including in Tennessee Valley and Homestead Valley, as well as Muir Woods:

1. All fires, including campfires at Kirby Cove, beach fires at Muir Beach, cooking fires and charcoal grills, are prohibited except for self-contained, portable gas stoves, which are allowed only in designated campground and picnic areas;

2. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Muir Woods National Monument.

officials are also warning local residents to avoid using lawn mowers or weed eating equipment in dry vegetation; avoid using any open flames including wood and charcoal grills; ensuring that all cigarette butts are properly extinguished; and not parking vehicles in tall dry grass.

Fire officials also recommended that residents:

1.  Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around their home.

2.  Remove leaves and needles from gutters.

3.  Remove low hanging  branches at least 10 feet off the ground.

4.  Make sure that your address numbers are clearly visible from the street.

If you have any questions about this Red Flag Warning or ways to create defensible space around your home, contact the Mill Valley Fire Department at 415.389.4130.