Restricted Parking on Red Flag Days in Outpost Estates
A map showing the area in Outpost Estates where there is “Red Flag Restricted Parking” (generally on the East side of Outpost Drive from Malaga Road to Mulholland Drive) where the City may remove illegally parked vehicles in posted locations within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones on days with an increased risk of fire danger. See the full map here.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the “Red Flag Restricted Parking” program was developed "in an attempt to increase public safety in partnership between the Fire Department and the Department of Transportation.
The program aims to remove illegally parked vehicles in posted locations within “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones” like the Hollywood Hills. This program was implemented in 2005 - 2006 with the assistance of the City Council to remove vehicles that create a hazardous condition on the designated Red Flag Days.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Station Commanders were asked to survey their district and identify critical areas where parked vehicles could delay citizens trying to evacuate and fire companies attempting to gain access during a Brush Incident. Station Commanders were asked to identify areas such as very narrow roads, hairpin turns, tight curves, and key intersections that, if not cleared of vehicles, would create a choke point. In Outpost Estates, this area includes the East side of Outpost Estates from Malaga Road to Mulholland Drive.
The goal of this program is to educate the public on the potential hazards associated with a fast-moving brush fire, and the importance of keeping roadways clear and traffic moving. The fire service has learned from incidents such as the Oakland Hills fire and the Cedar fire that citizens becoming trapped in their vehicles, while evacuating, can lead to a catastrophic situation.
Picture of a “No Parking on Red Flag Days” sign that is posted along the East side of Outpost Drive from Malaga Road to Mulholland Drive
Example of the “Red Flag Status” notifications that are posted online at the Los Angeles Fire Department Website here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Red Flag Day? A Red Flag Day is when the weather conditions are such that the potential for a fast-moving brush fire is extremely high. The conditions are defined as wind speeds 25 mph or more and humidity 15% or less.
How often will there be Red Flag Days? Over the past years, the maximum number of Red Flag days has been 12. The average of Red Flag days per year is 4 to 7.
Why is there enforcement only during Red Flag Days? The potential for a choke point being created is a daily concern in the identified areas, but during a situation of mass exodus during a brush fire event a choke point can trap, hinder, or delay lifesaving efforts from first responders.
How will I know if there is a Red Flag declaration? The following methods were developed to notify the residents, guests, and visitors to the City of Los Angeles of a Red Flag condition and that the towing of vehicles will take place
Residents are able to contact the 311 Operator, within the City of Los Angeles boundaries, for information regarding Red Flag event.
Every local news outlet has agreed to broadcast during traffic, and weather segments that the City of Los Angeles is in a Red Flag situation
Those news outlets include radio and television.
Every fire station will fly a red flag during the declaration and local fire companies will drive the posted areas in an attempt to locate vehicle owners to have them move prior to being towed.
The CERT and numerous citizen groups have volunteered to assist in this program in order to free up fire companies.
This website will be available for the public to read about the program and see what areas of the city have been posted "No Parking on Red Flag Days." In addition, citizens can provide their contact information (phone number or E-mail) so as to receive a notification.
How can I sign-up to receive notifications? Sign-up online by going to the my account page of this website and selecting the zip code of interest from the map, or by calling the City of Los Angeles 311 Operator during regular business hours.
How does the Red Flag Alert System work? When fire weather conditions in the City of Los Angeles dictate that special parking restrictions be enacted, Fire Department staff will activate the Red Flag Alert System. The System will advise all registrants, City officials and staff, and interest groups of the declaration via all mediums on file (phone, text, and fax).
What types of messages will be sent by the Red Flag Alert System? The authorized messages to be sent by the System are of declaration, extension, cancellation, and advisory. All messages will be in relation to the Red Flag days within the City of Los Angeles.
Video showing a fire in the Hollywood Hills.
