Strong winds across Southern California triggered a red flag warning Monday, putting firefighters on high alert for possible wildfires.

In Los Angeles County, a red flag warning for critical fire hazards should be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley (14) and Golden State (5) freeway corridors, and the Santa Clarita Valley. Malibu Coast, Calabasas, the San Fernando Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area.

“Peak gusts are generally in the 30 to 50 mph range in typical wind prone areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the Malibu coast, with the exception of the mountains of Los Angeles County where gusts of 50 to 70 mph are observed “says the National Weather Service

In the Inland Empire, firefighters had to respond to small fires that threatened power lines and several cars as a red flag warning was issued in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where wind speeds reached nearly 40 miles per hour.

“We actually had small bushfires in the city, but they were contained thanks to the staffing increase we put in place for the red flag warning,” said Daniel Yonan of the Corona Fire Department.

Fire officials urged people, especially those living in areas with tall vegetation, to avoid using open flames, including campfires and cooking fires.

Winds are expected to ease again by Thursday afternoon and calmer weather is expected over the weekend.

As is common with Santa Ana wind events, Edison officials in Southern California warned that some residents may be subject to “public safety shutoffs,” in which power is cut in some areas with particularly strong winds to reduce the possibility of fires starting damaged equipment.