LOS ANGELES — Southern California experienced a resurgence of windy and dry conditions on Monday, escalating the potential for wildfires as firefighters continue their efforts to control two significant blazes in the Los Angeles area that began under similar meteorological conditions nearly two weeks ago.
Wind gusts may reach up to 70 mph (113 kph) along coastal areas, with mountain and foothill regions potentially experiencing gusts of up to 100 mph (160 kph) as part of a prolonged period of extreme fire weather that is anticipated to persist until Tuesday.
Due to low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds, the National Weather Service has issued a warning highlighting a “particularly dangerous situation” for specific regions including Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties, effective from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning. Meteorologist Andrew Rorke emphasized that these conditions create an environment conducive to rapid fire growth if a fire ignites.
While a slight chance of rain in the upcoming weekend was viewed as a positive sign, Rorke noted that gusty winds are expected to return by Thursday. In light of the heightened risk, authorities have advised residents to avoid activities such as lawn mowing that could inadvertently ignite fires. Citizens are also encouraged to revisit their evacuation strategies, prepare emergency kits, and remain vigilant for new fires, reporting any sightings promptly.
David Acuna, spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, indicated that the primary concerns are the containment of the Palisades and Eaton Fires and the possibility of new ignitions. He stressed the importance of community members refraining from actions that could spark additional fires to allow firefighting resources to focus on managing existing blazes.
The dryness, coupled with low humidity and robust Santa Ana winds, complicates ongoing firefighting efforts against the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have already destroyed more than 14,000 structures since their outbreak on January 7. As of Monday, the Palisades fire was reported to be 59% contained, while the Eaton fire was at 87% containment, according to firefighting officials.
On Monday, officials lifted additional evacuation orders for Pacific Palisades, allowing only residents who presented proof of residency to return through designated checkpoints. Over the past weekend, two individuals posing as firefighters attempted to access an evacuation zone related to the Palisades Fire, as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass communicated that the city is prepared for any potential new fires and cautioned that strong winds could spread ash from current fire zones throughout Southern California. To safeguard against toxic air caused by Santa Ana winds, she encouraged residents to visit specific city resources for protective measures.
Cal Fire and local firefighting teams have strategically stationed fire engines, water-dropping aircraft, and hand crews throughout the region to ensure prompt reactions to any new fire outbreaks. Acuna mentioned that additional fire crews have been deployed in Kern and Riverside counties.
Fire officials in Los Angeles confirmed that all available engines are on standby, with 30 specifically placed in high-risk fire areas. Moreover, the outgoing shift of around 1,000 firefighters has been asked to remain on duty to bolster these additional resources. According to LA fire officials, the pre-deployment strategy is both tactical and deliberate.
On Monday afternoon, firefighters quickly extinguished a small brush fire that ignited near the renowned Griffith Observatory. A suspect believed to be responsible for starting the fire was taken into custody, as reported by David Cuellar, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department.
In a separate incident further south, firefighting crews diligently worked to control a fire that broke out in Poway, San Diego County, and successfully halted its forward progression.
