Windy, dry conditions returned to Southern California on Monday, with new fires emerging as firefighters continue to extinguish two large Los Angeles-area fires that started in similar weather nearly two weeks ago. The risk of wildfires occurring is increasing.
During the extreme fire weather, which is expected to continue into Tuesday, wind gusts could reach 70 mph (113 kph) along the coast and 160 kph (about 160 kph) in the mountains and foothills.
The National Weather Service warned of “particularly dangerous conditions” from low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego counties from Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning.
“The conditions are ripe for explosive fire growth if a fire were to occur,” said Andrew Rourke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
Rourke said the small amount of rain in the forecast for the weekend was a hopeful sign, but noted that stronger winds would return to the region on Thursday.
Officials urged people not to mow their lawns or start fires that could get out of control. He also urged residents to review their evacuation plans, prepare emergency supplies, be wary of new fires, and report them immediately.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman David Acuña said the biggest concern is that the Palisades and Eaton fires are breaking containment lines and starting new fires.
“Let’s focus on mitigating the current fires and not start new fires,” Acuña said.
Buffeted by low humidity, dry vegetation and strong Santa Ana winds, firefighters continue to battle two major fires in the Los Angeles area, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. The fire has destroyed more than 14,000 structures since it broke out amid strong winds in January. 7. Fire officials said the Palisades Fire was 59% contained Monday and the Eaton Fire was 87% contained.
Further evacuation orders were lifted for the Pacific Palisades on Monday, with authorities announcing that only residents who showed proof of residency at checkpoints would be allowed to return. Two men pretending to be firefighters attempted to enter the Palisades fire evacuation area over the weekend, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Monday that the city was preparing for the possibility of new fires and warned that strong winds could blow ash from existing fire zones across Southern California. She encouraged Angelenos to visit lacity.gov to learn how to protect themselves from harmful air during Santa Ana’s high winds.
Cal Fire and local fire departments have deployed fire engines, water cannons and emergency personnel throughout the region to quickly respond in the event of a new blaze, Acuña said.
Acuña said Cal Fire has additional fire departments in Kern and Riverside counties.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials said the department had all available engines ready, 30 of which were deployed to fire hazard areas. The agency also ordered the leaving shifts of about 1,000 firefighters to remain on duty to staff additional engines.
“Pre-positioning is very thoughtful and strategic,” Crowley said.
On Monday afternoon, Los Angeles firefighters quickly extinguished a small wildfire south of the iconic triple-domed Griffith Observatory. A man suspected of starting the fire was taken into custody, Los Angeles Police Department spokesman David Cuellar said.
Farther south, in the city of Poway in San Diego County, firefighters aggressively extinguished a fire that broke out on Monday afternoon and stopped the blaze from progressing.
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