Red Flag Patrol

A "Red Flag" alert is a condition issued by the Orange County Fire Authority during times of extreme concern. High winds and low humidity are typical conditions. The Strike Team is cooperating with the Greater Laguna Coast Fire Safe Council who is an official Red Flag Patrol coordinator. The Council has the motto of "never again" as the founder lost his home in the fires of 1993. He is determined to help protect our city from experiencing another disaster of that magnitude.

Both Thurston and Top of the World are of particular concern. During extreme conditions, each school will only have 5-8 minutes to evacuate under worst case circumstances. The patrols are designed to walk the school grounds during school hours watching for fires or suspicious activities. The plan is that if we can spot the problem early, we can help the students evacuate more safely.

The official symbol, below, designates when the city is on Red Flag Alert. When you see this symbol around town, keep your eyes out for smoke and suspicious activities. The Council has occasional training sessions to certify members as a patrol member. Then you are free to participate at the school level or on a city wide basis.