What's Happening
- Richmond residents are advised that due to existing and forecasted weather conditions (low humidity, strong winds, dry fuels) of a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) most of the Bay Area, including the SF Bay Shoreline and Interior Bay Hills.
- The Red Flag Warning will be in effect from tomorrow Tuesday, 11/5 at 11AM until Thursday, 11/7 at 7AM.
- Per NWS, offshore winds of 20-30 mph with gusts to 50 mph expected, with windiest spots in higher elevations; Mt. Diablo may experience near or above 70 mph winds.
- Despite overnight temps decreasing to high 40s to mid-50s, wildfires can still spread rapidly even in cold weather with windy and dry conditions.
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) anticipates public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) likely in certain Bay Area counties. For Contra Costa, an estimated 1,372 PG&E customers may be de-energized as a precautionary measure.
- Richmond is not in scope for a PSPS at this time.
City Preparedness
- The Richmond Fire Department has changed all City Fire Danger Signs to 'Extreme' for the duration of the event.
- The Public Works Department has temporarily suspended city/contractor hot work that may have potential for fire starts (mowing, welding, etc. or obstruct ingress or egress operations in the High Fire Severity Zones in event of evacuation.
- City staff remain in close communication with PG&E, Contra Costa County and neighboring jurisdictions to ensure streamlined situational awareness and timely response ahead of any urgent actions needed.
Recommended Community Preparedness
- Stay informed by monitoring information from trusted sources:
- Practice Wildfire Safety
- If you live in a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, do not burn, mow grass or do any activity that may spark a fire in your area.
- Be prepared
- Have a wildfire evacuation plan; pack a go-bag; ensure you have family/emergency contacts handy.
- Take action
