LOS ANGELES, June 9 (Xinhua) -- California Fire Map updated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Sunday morning showed that several wildfires were still burning in the north and the authority warned that "Red Flag" alerts were still in effect for the rest of the day.
The Sand Fire, which began Saturday afternoon in western Yolo County, remained the most closely-watched fire Sunday among the wildfires reported this weekend, according to Cal Fire. It has been scorching more than 1,800 acres (7.3 square kilometers) with no containment.
About 125 local residents had been evacuated and a part of Highway 16 near the area was closed in both directions, while over 500 firefighters, backed by four helicopters, were at the scene, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire Sunday predicted that those fire crews would face a tough day since Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to this area issued by the National Weather Service issues were still in effect.
To alert fire departments of critical weather and dry conditions, a Red Flag Warning means poor weather condition may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours, while a Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12 to 72 hours.
A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.
