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Red flag warning issued for mountains, desert

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A red flag warning is scheduled to go in effect in the mountains and deserts of San Diego County today, reflecting conditions expected to increase the burden of firefighters already battling an 820-acre blaze east of Campo.

The warning will be in effect from noon Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, which issues such warnings when strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures combine to create the risk of wildfire.

“A low pressure system moving eastward through the Great Basin will bring stronger onshore flow,” according to an NWS advisory. “This will bring strong gusty west winds with low humidities for the deserts and along the desert slopes of the mountains.”

During the red flag warning, mountain and desert residents can expect 15 to 25 mph winds, gusting up to 55 mph. Lowest daytime humidity will be around 5 percent, according to the Weather Service.

Since about 2 p.m. Sunday, a brush fire has been burning east of Campo.

Dubbed the Old Fire, the blaze started off near Old Highway 80 and has scorched 820 acres, according to Cal Fire.

The state firefighting agency reports that 150 residents have been evacuated, with containment at 30 percent as of 7 a.m. Monday

A structure and a travel trailer have been destroyed, but no injuries have been reported, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

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