LOS ANGELES — A new wave of wildfire warnings was issued for millions in Southern California on Tuesday, as powerful winds swept through the already dry areas around Los Angeles, where two significant fires have been ongoing for a week now. Tens of thousands of residents experienced power outages due to precautionary measures implemented by utility companies to prevent more fires from igniting.
The Santa Ana winds, which began gusting across the mountains early in the morning, are expected to continue strong enough to carry embers that can spark new fires, raising fears in a region that has already seen the loss of at least 24 lives. LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley expressed grave concern over the severity of the winds, describing them as “life-threatening and destructive.”
The fire risk was heightened across much of Southern California, with crews remaining on high alert along a 300-mile stretch from San Diego to regions north of Los Angeles. The greatest threat was identified in inland areas, particularly those populations exceeding 300,000 in Thousand Oaks, Northridge, and Simi Valley.
As a result of the dangerous conditions, nearly 90,000 homes were left without power. Local authorities urged nervous residents to stay prepared for potential evacuations at a moment’s notice. Despite the tense situation, law enforcement reported nearly 50 arrests related to looting, illegal drone flights in fire zones, violation of curfews, and other offenses. Notably, three individuals were apprehended on suspicion of committing arson after they attempted to ignite small fires outside the designated disaster zones.
Additionally, a group of nine was charged with looting, including the theft of an Emmy from a home that had been evacuated amid the chaos, according to the District Attorney of Los Angeles County. Officials continued to investigate the reasons behind the larger fires that have caused widespread devastation.
Firefighters from neighboring states, Mexico, and Canada have bolstered the crews on the ground, who are now better prepared to tackle flare-ups or new wildfires. This firefighting force is significantly larger than the one that was deployed at the start of the ongoing crisis last week, which witnessed extensive destructions, including thousands of homes being consumed in flames.
In one neighborhood in Altadena near Pasadena, Kaylin Johnson and her family chose to stay at their home, one of the few that remained unscathed. They were manning watch to prevent looting and keeping their home cool with hoses to fend off potential fires. Johnson articulated the struggle many shared, conveying, “Our lives have been put on hold indefinitely.”
Compounding the troubling situation, the forecast issued an unusual warning indicating that conditions are now “particularly dangerous,” with the possibility of new fires rapidly increasing in size due to the dry weather and intense wind gusts, expected to reach near hurricane force. Forecasts indicate that the winds will intensify through Tuesday evening and into Wednesday before diminishing, presenting a continuing risk across the region.
Residents remained on high alert, gathering essential items like pets and family mementos in preparation for quick evacuations. One resident, Tabitha Trosen, described her anxiety, expressing readiness for her family’s feline companions, stating, “Our cats are ready to go. We have their carriers by the door prepped with their little stuffed animals.”
Firefighters sprang into action with air support, dropping fire-retardant chemicals over vulnerable homes and dry brush areas. Local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, expressed renewed confidence in the region’s readiness to confront the current threats. After surveying affected areas, the mayor remarked that the devastation was reminiscent of the aftermath of a “dry hurricane.”
Although winds this round were anticipated to be less severe than in previous days, they still posed significant risks to firefighting operations if they reached 70 mph. Authorities urged those experiencing homelessness to avoid making fires for warmth and seek safe shelter instead.
With the dry spell continuing for over eight months, Southern California has dealt with numerous wildfires, especially around the greater Los Angeles area. Small fires have been quickly contained, reflecting strategic firefighting efforts. One fire along a riverbed near Oxnard was rapidly addressed before it could worsen.
The largest wildfires affecting Los Angeles have scorched over 63 square miles, which is roughly three times the size of Manhattan, putting significant pressure on firefighting resources. As efforts continue to manage existing fires, the search for missing individuals remains critical, with authorities expressing concerns that the death toll may rise, as dozens are still unaccounted for. Approximately 90,000 residents are still under evacuation orders, a significant decrease from previous weeks.
Due to the ongoing crisis, Hollywood’s awards calendar has been disrupted, with multiple postponements in nomination announcements and award shows as organizations reevaluate their plans in light of the conditions.
