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LA Fire Officials Warn of Increased Wildfire Risks Amid Strong Winds

LA Fire Officials Warn of Increased Wildfire Risks Amid Strong Winds

Firefighters in Los Angeles are preparing for another round of wildfire dangers due to forecasted Santa Ana winds as they combat several blazes that have resulted in multiple fatalities and destroyed thousands of structures.

The National Weather Service reports that strong winds, which have contributed to fueling the fires, are expected to continue through Tuesday and possibly Wednesday across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Low humidity levels are creating critical fire conditions that heighten concerns.

Forecasters have indicated that peak wind gusts could be “strong enough to potentially cause explosive fire growth.” Red flag warnings have been issued through Wednesday, with gusts ranging from 30 to 50 mph and potentially reaching 50 to 75 mph in mountainous areas.

A red flag warning signifies an increased risk of fires due to a combination of low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds. Over the weekend, at least 153,000 people were forced to evacuate, and an additional 166,000 were placed under evacuation warnings, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged residents to remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate, stating that the ongoing fires represent “one of the most challenging natural events in the history of this city” and warned that “it’s not over.”

LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced that residents in evacuated areas would not be able to return until Thursday at the earliest due to the upcoming fire risks. Authorities are currently investigating 24 fatalities attributed to the fires—16 related to the Eaton Fire and eight from the Palisades Fire. Search and rescue operations for missing persons connected to the incidents began on Saturday.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, over 40,000 acres have been scorched by the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, and Hurst fires. More than 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and places of worship, have been destroyed, with further losses anticipated.

Latest figures from Cal Fire show that the Eaton Fire has spread over 14,000 acres and is currently 27% contained, while the Palisades Fire has reached nearly 24,000 acres at 11% containment. The Kenneth Fire has been fully contained after burning more than 1,000 acres, and the Hurst Fire is 89% contained after approximately 800 acres were scorched.

The Los Angeles Unified School District announced plans to reopen “most schools” on Monday after closing all facilities late Wednesday. However, schools located in mandatory evacuation zones will remain closed.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that over 24,000 people have already applied for disaster assistance, a number expected to rise. She also refuted claims made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding FEMA running out of funding, stating, “That is absolutely false.”

In an NBC interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom reported that 14,000 personnel, including National Guard members, are aiding in firefighting efforts. He expressed concern that these fires could become the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history, addressing misinformation by emphasizing the need for accurate communication.

Several drinking water advisories have been issued, including a “do not drink” order for most of northern Pasadena due to damaged pump stations and reservoirs caused by the Eaton Fire. Similar advisories were placed for areas in Pacific Palisades and communities north of San Vicente Boulevard under evacuation orders. The LA Department of Water and Power issued these notices due to potential fire-related contaminants in the water supply.

A wildfire smoke advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. PT on Sunday, with air quality in parts of Los Angeles County deemed “unhealthy.” The LA County public health department is advising residents affected by smoke to limit outdoor activities, utilize air purifiers, and wear N95 or P100 respirators to safeguard their health.

Credit: NPR

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