The National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a Red Flag Warning for large portions of eastern Humboldt and Del Norte Counties on Wednesday.
The warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. tomorrow, Aug. 17.
According to the NWS, mid-level moisture and dry ground conditions may lead to thunderstorm activity and lightning strikes in eastern Humboldt County and Del Norte County. Any fires that start as a result of lightning strikes will likely spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds that could reach up to 40 miles per hour. The NWS cautions that this activity may continue into the early morning hours on Thursday.
Additional areas under this Red Flag Warning include Van Duzen, Mad River, Del Norte, Lake, Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. Trinity County also has a limited lightning risk.
The latest update from Six Rivers National Forest said these dry and windy conditions will continue to spread the Six Rivers Lightning Complex Fire burning near Willow Creek. But firefighters today are working to strengthen containment lines.
A heat advisory is also in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday for portions of Lake, interior Mendocino and southern Trinity Counties.
The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services encourages residents in these areas to create defensible space, harden their homes or business, review their evacuation checklist and keep an emergency supply kit handy.