Authorities warned that dry weather and heavy winds could contribute to the rapid spread of wildfire as a massive blaze scorched nearly 3,500 acres in Mendocino County.
The National Weather Service issues a “red flag warning” from 11 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Monday over winds and low humidity, which can cause “easier fire starts” and “rapid spread of fire.”
The warning takes effect as the Lucas Fire raged near the Lake County and Mendocino County line in Potter Valley, triggering evacuation orders in several areas, according to CalFire.
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The blaze fire began as a 10-acre fire on Thursday and exploded in size due to its remote location.
“Firefighters faced high temperatures and strong winds on the fire line today, working in challenging conditions to protect communities and slow the fire’s spread<” CalFire said in a update early Friday evening.
