REDDING, Calif. – The National Weather Service has upgraded the fire weather watch for Shasta County to a red flag warning Thursday evening through Saturday morning. The greatest fire danger is expected on Friday.

Gusty winds and low humidity are the two primary causes of this red flag warning, but the area is in critical fire condition with the Shoe Fire at seven percent contained.

The National Weather Service reported that the strongest winds were expected Friday, and Julia Ruthford, a meteorologist for the Shoe Fire, said she expected gusts of 25 to 40 miles per hour to affect the fire area.

Ruthford said she expects a terrain-related wind pattern with stronger gusts on the fire's ridges.

Marc Peebles, U.S. Forest Service public information officer for the Shoe Fire, said 800 personnel and 13 helicopters are currently working on the Shoe Fire. Due to the impending severe weather warning, additional resources are on the way.

Peebles said there are still some areas of the fire that firefighters cannot safely reach.

“We have a lot of options and a lot of people on this fire and we're only at seven percent containment, but it's important to understand that this part of the Shasta Trinity National Forest is very steep and very steep. “It's difficult terrain, that these firefighters work in, and sometimes it doesn’t happen quickly,” Peebles said.

The PIO said the fire was still 29 miles from Redding. However, there are some smaller communities nearby, including Big Bend. Peebles says there are buildings on the west side of the fire that building defense resources are being used to protect.

Peebles says the area is very dry and prone to fires, but they will focus on fighting the fire as safely and effectively as possible.

“Firefighting is a very dangerous business. We have killed firefighters fighting fires this way and we don't want that to happen. The safety of firefighters and the public is our top priority,” Peebles said.

He also said on behalf of the fire department personnel that they appreciate the public support and are grateful to the communities surrounding the fire for their cooperation.