Winds, low humidity trigger red-flag fire warning in L.A. County

Gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity prompted a red-flag warning Friday in Los Angeles County and put many Southern Californians on alert for dangerous fire conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a red-flag warning for the mountain areas in Los Angeles County until 6 p.m., indicating a critical brush fire danger. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 45 mph.

In San Bernardino County, firefighters battled a 15-acre brush fire that started late Thursday and forced the closure of Highway 18 between Highway 138 and 40th Street in Crestline. An overturned vehicle sparked the fire, officials said.

About 400 firefighters worked against winds of up to 30 mph as the fire spread to thick brush. No injuries were reported and no structures were threatened.

The winds are expected to diminish by Saturday, but many areas will still experience low humidity, according to the Weather Service.

Temperatures will remain in the mid-70s all weekend, but there is a slight chance of showers late Saturday and into Sunday.

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-- Angel Jennings

Photo: Brush fire in Crestline. Credit: KTLA-TV.