The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for parts of Southern California on Sunday as this week’s forecast called for dangerous fire weather.
The warning, which the NWS called a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS), began Monday night as a “strong, widespread, and prolonged Santa Ana event will bring widespread and severe fire weather conditions to many areas.” The order will remain in effect until Wednesday. in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. ”
Los Angeles County fire officials say the department has increased staffing, pre-positioned trucks with water tanks in case they need to go to rural areas without fire hydrants, and residents are taking precautions themselves. He is advising them to take the following steps.
For example, authorities say it’s a good idea to clear brush from your home and prepare your belongings in case you evacuate.
“This event could be as powerful as the Nov. 5-6 Santa Ana event that sparked wildfires,” the NWS release warned. “Be prepared for fire weather by maintaining defensible space and planning in case of evacuation. New fires can spread quickly and exhibit extreme fire behavior.”
NWS meteorologists told KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff how these weather conditions compare to those that caused the Mountain Fire and the Thomas Fire, which affected Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in 2017. He said he was there.
L.A. County Fire Specialist Brad Orman said winds of 45 to 65 mph make containment especially difficult.
“When the wind blows, it dries out the fuel, and when it aligns with the hill, the wind picks up and the fire blazes up the hill and burns very quickly,” Orman said.
On a smaller scale, strong winds and periods of low humidity also affect the air, bringing irritants and exacerbating allergies.
“The hardest-hit areas are the San Gabriel, Santa Susanas and western Santa Monica areas to Malibu, the Ventura County valleys (particularly Simi Valley and Moorpark), and the western San Fernando Valley (particularly the Porter Ranch to San Fernando highways). 118/210) from the foothills above Camarillo to East Ventura,” the NWS details.
Southern California Edison officials have already begun sending warnings to people in parts of the valley and Malibu that they may have to shut off power due to wind and fire dangers. said.
Click here for more information on the alert from NWS.
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