Red Flag Warning issued for fifth consecutive day

SAN DIEGO - The Santa Ana winds, triple-digit temperatures and low humidity that contributed to nine fires in San Diego County in the past few days will heighten the fire risk today for the fifth consecutive day.

The National Weather Service first issued a red flag warning -- its most serious fire-related warning -- for valley and mountain areas on Sunday. The warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 5 p.m.

Since Tuesday, nine fires throughout San Diego County have burned more than 9,000 acres. More than two dozen homes and two commercial buildings in Carlsbad were damaged or destroyed, along with four residential structures in San Marcos, according to county officials.

Weather service forecasters said the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and high temperatures would continue to contribute to ''extreme fire behavior.''

A heat advisory is also in effect until 6 p.m. for the valleys and the coast. Highs in the valleys are expected to be 98 to 106 degrees, 90 to 95 degrees along the coast and 96 to 105 degrees in inland areas and the mesas, according to the NWS.

''Take extra precaution if you work or spend time outside,'' the NWS said. ''When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.''

Sustained east to northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 35 to 45 mph are also expected throughout the day.

Forecasters said onshore flow would return to the region Friday, which will usher in a cooling trend this weekend.