It's so hot, Berkeley hills residents advised not to park on streets due to fire risk

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning, indicating elevated fire risk, through Saturday for parts of the Bay Area. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning, indicating elevated fire risk, through Saturday for parts of the Bay Area. Photo: NWS Photo: NWS Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close It's so hot, Berkeley hills residents advised not to park on streets due to fire risk 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

With hot temperatures and gusting winds headed to the Bay Area this weekend, authorities are encouraging Berkeley hills residents to park cars in driveways or garages to leave streets clear for emergency vehicles.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat advisories across the Bay Area, as temperatures are forecast to creep into the triple-digits and stay that way through the weekend. Berkeley temperatures are expected to peak Saturday at 101.

Heat and wind carries an extra danger in the dry East Bay hills: wildfire. A red flag warning, indicating elevated threat of fire, applies to elevations above 1,000 feet in the North and East Bay hills, the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Diablo Range, the Santa Lucia Range, and interior mountains of Monterey and San Benito counties.

Fire officials also ask Berkeley hills residents to abstain from barbecuing, contrary to standard Labor Day weekend practices, and operating other power equipment. Fireworks are forbidden in the city of Berkeley and surrounding areas.

On Aug. 2, fire broke out around Grizzly Peak, burning 20 acres of terrain over five days and requiring more than 150 firefighters to contain. Prosecutors charged Concord resident Alfredo Bautista, 24, with arson after he admitted to starting the blaze with a cigarette lighter.

To learn more about fire preparation, authorities advise Berkeley residents to visit the city's wildfire evacuation website.

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.