What is a Red Flag Day?

Red Flag Days are declared by the National Weather Service when:

1) Relative Humidity 15 percent or less with either sustained winds of 25 mph or greater or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater for a duration of 6 hours or more;

2) Relative Humidity 10 percent or less for a duration of 10 hours or more; or,

3) Widespread and/or significant dry lightning. The Fire Chief may also declare a Red Flag Day in response to an extreme hazard.

How often will there be Red Flag Days?

It is anticipated there would likely be between 20 and 30 red flag days each year.

How will I know if we are in a Red Flag Condition?

There are a number of ways to know:

1) Signs posted at the following areas will indicate Red Flag restrictions:

1. North-west corner of El Toyonal and Camino Pablo
2. Eastern intersection of El Toyonal and Loma Vista Drive (westbound)
3. Western intersection of El Toyonal and Loma Vista Drive (both directions)
4. El Toyonal at Vista Del Orinda (eastbound)
5. Lomas Contadas City limits (eastbound)

2) Media reports generally report Red Flag conditions; and,

3) Information posted on the National Weather Service (NWS) website, https://www.weather.gov/.

What are the stop/start hours of Red Flag restrictions?

The stop and start of the Red Flag conditions will be determined by the weather as predicted by the National Weather Service. Red Flag notices will generally be sent as “until further notice” with a cancellation notice in the future. In the event an end time can be announced with the Red Flag notice, it may be subject to extensions as needed.

How would plumbers, gardeners and repair vehicles be dealt with?

Vehicles are allowed 5 minutes of Active loading and unloading of vehicles in the neighborhood.

How would vacations be dealt with?

No matter how reasonable the justification may seem, creating a potential blockage in the street on days of extreme hazard is an unacceptable hazard for the entire community. Residents would be encouraged to find alternative unrestricted parking if they are vacationing during periods expected to be of high risk. Also, neighbors could cooperate to move vehicles, as well.

We have no off-street parking.

No matter how reasonable the justification may seem, creating a potential blockage in the street on days of extreme hazard is an unacceptable hazard for the entire community.

What about residents who have restricted mobility and no off-street parking?

No matter how reasonable the justification may seem, creating a potential blockage in the street on days of extreme hazard is an unacceptable hazard for the entire community. A neighbor or caregiver could move the vehicle when the resident arrives home.

What areas will the red flag stopping and parking restrictions be enforced?

Stopping and parking shall be prohibited while red flag warnings are in effect within 5 feet from the edge of the City paved roadway along both sides of El Toyonal starting from the eastern edge of Camino Pablo to ending at the intersection of Vista Del Orinda, as well as both sides of Loma Vista Drive.

What would the enforcement protocol be?

Red Flag restricted parking is treated in a manner equivalent to a Fire Lane. In order to allow residents to become comfortable with the new requirement, the City is using a phased approach, as follows:

1. During the first Red Flag event each year, vehicles parked in restricted areas would receive warnings;

2. During all subsequent Red Flag notifications, vehicles parked in restricted areas would receive citations.