LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Southern California’s battle-weary firefighters say another Santa Ana-like event could further complicate efforts to contain the deadly and historic Palisades Fire and fuel new wildfires. Preparations are underway for.
The National Weather Service issued a warning that fire weather conditions are expected to reach severe to severe across the region and continue into Wednesday.
“Moderate to locally strong winds in Santa Ana will impact the typical Santa Ana wind corridor Saturday through Sunday and Monday through Wednesday,” the NWS said. “These winds, combined with dry air and dry vegetation, will continue to pose a fire threat for the region.”
The Bureau of Meteorology said wind gusts could reach 30 to 50 mph in many areas, with the strongest winds reaching 50 to 75 mph in the wind-prone mountains and foothills.
NWS Red Flag Warning issued on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
This latest fire weather event comes as more than 3,700 firefighters from across the U.S. and even Canada set thousands of structures ablaze, making it already the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, the 22,000-acre Palisades. The incident occurred while efforts were being made to extinguish the fire. It erupted on Tuesday in the face of hurricane-force winds from Santa Ana, stranding firefighters in the air and causing the fire to spread largely unchecked.
After devastating areas in the Pacific Palisades and southern Malibu, the Palisades Fire moved north and east and began burning structures in Brentwood on Saturday.
Evacuation orders and warnings were also issued for several areas in Los Angeles’ densely populated San Fernando Valley.
Firefighters in Altadena and Pasadena, east of Los Angeles, reported progress in containing the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire, which has destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
Smoke from the Palisades fire rises above a home in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Authorities are urging residents to be prepared as fires are expected to become more active and stronger winds are expected.
“Gather what you need when you evacuate,” the NWS advised.
Poor air quality is another concern.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued an air quality advisory for Los Angeles County as wildfire smoke lingers into Sunday evening.
“It’s difficult to predict where ash and soot from fires will fly and how wind will affect air quality, so everyone should stay aware of the air quality in their area and plan accordingly. , it’s important to take action to protect your health and well-being.” “It’s about protecting the health of your family,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County-Angeles County Health Officer. “Smoke and ash can harm everyone, including healthy people. But people at higher risk include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. These include heart or lung conditions and weakened immune systems. ”
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