Fire officials alert residents after red-flag warning is issued

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is urging residents in brush areas to be on alert because of a red-flag warning that was issued for powerful Santa Ana winds that are expected to begin blowing late Tuesday and last through Wednesday evening.

The department is asking residents to use caution when operating machines that produce sparks or flames, to call 911 immediately if they see smoke and to report any suspicious people or activity to law enforcement authorities.

The National Weather Service issued the red-flag warning Tuesday afternoon, saying that the dry northeast winds could blow from 25 mph to 45 mph. Gusts of around 60 mph could occur in passes and canyons, the Weather Service said.

The dry winds will drop relative humidity to single digits across the Los Angeles area by Wednesday afternoon.

"Due to the strength of this wind event," the agency said in a statement, "there will be the potential for downed power lines."

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-- Robert J. Lopez
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