Southern California was preparing for more strong winds on Tuesday as new wildfires started in the area while dealing with the big fires that have already damaged communities in Los Angeles.
Forecasts predict that strong winds will affect southern California for at least two more days. On Tuesday afternoon, the winds calmed down a bit after reaching speeds of 60mph (96km/h) in many places. However, windy conditions will come back on Wednesday, according to Ryan Kittell, a scientist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.
Strong winds are starting up again in dry conditions, ending a pause in very risky fire conditions. This break has helped firefighters in the troubled city manage the big fires that have destroyed thousands of homes. The fires have claimed at least 27 lives and burned over 14,000 buildings since they started during strong winds on January 7.
Kittell said that if a fire started, it could spread quickly. Red flag warnings for high fire risk have been extended until 8 PM Thursday in LA and Ventura counties.
The weather service warned that parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties could face a “very dangerous situation” from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning. This is due to low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds.
“The conditions are ripe for explosive fire growth should a fire start,” said Andrew Rorke, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard.
Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, announced on Monday that the city is ready for any new fires. She also warned that strong winds could spread ash from current fire areas throughout southern California. She encouraged people in Los Angeles to go to lacity.gov to find out how to stay safe from dangerous air during Santa Ana winds.
Cal Fire and local fire departments have positioned fire engines, water-dropping aircraft and hand crews across the region to allow a quick response should a new fire break out.
A few small fires broke out in San Diego County. Evacuation orders were given for the Lilac fire, which burned around 50 acres. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that it is spreading at a modest rate and that buildings are at risk. Firefighters have made progress on the Pala fire and have stated that it is under control, according to the agency. A new fire called the Friars fire started near a highway on Monday afternoon. The San Diego fire department said workers responded quickly. Officials told nearby residents to leave their homes, while others were instructed to stay inside as firemen try to control the fire.
On Monday, fire workers in Los Angeles quickly extinguished a small brush fire that started south of the Griffith Observatory, which has three domes.
A man believed to have started the fire has been arrested, according to David Cuellar, a spokesman for the Los Angeles police. Firefighters quickly put out a brush fire along Interstate 405 in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, which briefly stopped the northbound lanes.
Firefighters worked hard to control a fire that started on Monday afternoon in Poway, San Diego county, and they successfully stopped it from spreading.
A little bit of rain is expected this weekend in Los Angeles, but stronger winds are expected to come back on Thursday, according to Rorke. If more rain falls during small thunderstorms, it could lead to rubble flows on burned hillsides, which would be a very bad situation, Kittell said.
Authorities advised people to avoid mowing their lawns and starting fires to prevent the risk of a fire spreading. They encouraged people to check their evacuation plans, prepare emergency kits, and watch for any new fires, reporting them quickly.
David Acuna, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said the main worries are that the Palisades and Eaton fires might escape their containment lines or that a new fire could start.
“Don’t do things to start another fire so we can focus on the mitigation of the current fires,” Acuna said.
On Monday, more evacuation orders were lifted in Pacific Palisades. Authorities said only residents can return home after showing proof of where they live at a stop.
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