From August 20–24, 2025, Los Angeles County faces extreme heat and Red Flag fire weather, especially in the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. Homeowners should review wildfire plans, document property, and prepare insurance records before conditions worsen.
What’s Happening in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has issued an extended Red Flag Warning and heat advisory for much of the region through Sunday, August 24. Temperatures are expected to hit the 90s and 100s, with dry winds and even the chance of thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
Areas most at risk include:
- Santa Clarita Valley
- Antelope Valley
- Portions of the San Gabriel Valley
- The LA Basin
- 101 Corridor out to Westlake Village
Red Flag warnings mean higher wildfire risk, and in recent burn areas, thunderstorms could also trigger flash floods and mudflows.
What You Should Do Now
Los Angeles County Fire recommends:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov
- Review your Ready! Set! Go! plan: download it at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg
- Stay aware of heat safety: hydrate, avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, check on vulnerable neighbors, and never leave kids or pets in cars
- Prepare for flooding: especially if you live near recent burn scars, download the Flood Action Plan at fire.lacounty.gov
Wildfire Preparation Resources
Ready! Set! Go! Action Plan
The Ready! Set! Go! program provides clear steps for preparing your property, planning evacuation routes, and acting quickly when wildfire danger is present.
- Watch the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Planning video
- Download the official Ready! Set! Go! PDF guide
Harden Your Home Against Wildfire
Preparation doesn’t stop with evacuation planning. The Harden Your Home program focuses on prevention: creating defensible space, clearing debris, and using fire-resistant building materials to protect your home before wildfire season peaks.
Watch the Harden Your Home video here: Harden Your Home Action Plan
Heat Safety: Protect Yourself and Others
Along with fire risk, residents should prepare for heat-related illness during this advisory. County Fire Department recommendations:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Apply sunscreen, wear light-colored and lightweight clothing, and use a hat or umbrella.
- Avoid outdoor activity between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Swim only near staffed lifeguard towers.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even with windows cracked.
- Check on vulnerable people including older adults, pregnant women, children, pets, and outdoor workers.
- If you lack air conditioning, visit a free cooling center. Find one near you at ready.lacounty.gov/heat or call 2-1-1.
Worried your insurance coverage won’t hold up during fire season?
We offer free policy reviews. Get peace of mind before the next evacuation order.
Why This Matters for Homeowners and Insurance
When Red Flag conditions are active, evacuation orders and sudden damage can complicate insurance claims. Homeowners often face:
- Missed documentation during evacuation
- Delays caused by vague policy requirements
- Underinsurance for wildfire, smoke, or flooding
By preparing before disaster strikes, you protect both your safety and your financial recovery.
FAQs
Q: What is a Red Flag Warning?
A: It’s a weather alert for critical fire conditions: high heat, low humidity, and strong winds.
Q: Should I update my home inventory?
A: Yes. A current inventory makes filing insurance claims much faster after a wildfire or evacuation.
Q: Should I call a public adjuster before a wildfire?
A: Yes. We can review your policy now so you’re not caught off guard later.
Q: Where can I sign up for emergency alerts?
A: Go to alert.lacounty.gov to receive real-time updates.
Q: What if flooding occurs instead of fire?
A: Both risks are possible during Red Flag conditions. Flood damage may require separate coverage or endorsements.
Let’s take the next step together.
If your home is impacted by wildfire, flood, or storm damage this week, contact Chris Faber Public Adjusters for a free claim review. We’re here to help California homeowners protect their property and recover fully.
