LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California is bracing for a second day of powerful winds on Tuesday, as firefighters remain on high alert due to extreme fire weather conditions. The risk of new wildfires is heightened, with gusts expected to reach up to 70 mph along the coast and 100 mph in the mountains and foothills. A “particularly dangerous situation” warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties due to low humidity and dangerous Santa Ana winds.
On Monday, Los Angeles fire crews swiftly extinguished a small brush fire near the Griffith Observatory, while a separate fire was put out along Interstate 405 in Granada Hills. In San Diego County, firefighters battled a blaze in Poway that was contained later in the day.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband visited Los Angeles to meet with firefighters and victims of the Eaton Fire in Altadena. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced plans to visit Los Angeles on Friday to assess the wildfire response.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of state-federal partnership in addressing the wildfire devastation. Rain is in the forecast for the weekend, but more gusty winds are expected on Thursday.
Authorities are urging caution, advising residents not to mow their lawns or start fires that could escalate. Vigilance in monitoring for new fires is crucial, with a focus on containing existing blazes like the Palisades and Eaton fires. The Palisades fire was 59% contained on Monday, while the Eaton fire was 87% contained.
Evacuation orders are being lifted cautiously as firefighters work to control the existing blazes and prevent further outbreaks. Residents are reminded to have evacuation plans in place and emergency kits ready, as the fire risk remains high due to dry conditions and strong winds.
In response to the ongoing Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, authorities have implemented strict measures, allowing only residents to re-enter the area upon proof of residency at designated checkpoints. The heightened security comes in the wake of an alarming incident over the weekend, where two individuals posing as firefighters tried to gain access to the evacuation zone, as reported by the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the city’s readiness to tackle any potential new fire outbreaks and issued a cautionary advisory regarding the strong winds that could carry ash particles from existing fire zones to other parts of Southern California. Urging the public to stay informed, Mayor Bass directed Angelenos to lacity.gov for guidance on safeguarding themselves against hazardous air quality during the Santa Ana winds.
Both Cal Fire and local fire departments have strategically stationed fire engines, water-dropping aircraft, and hand crews throughout the region to ensure a swift response in the event of a new fire emergency, according to Acuna, a spokesperson for the agencies. Acknowledging the heightened risk, Acuna noted the deployment of additional fire crews in Kern and Riverside counties to bolster firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Fire Department has mobilized all available fire engines, with a particular focus on placing 30 units in high-risk areas. In a proactive measure, the agency has extended the duty hours of approximately 1,000 firefighters from the outgoing shift to man these extra engines, as explained by Crowley, a fire department official.
“The pre-deployment strategy is a testament to our meticulous planning and tactical approach,” Crowley affirmed.
As the threat of wildfires looms large, communities in and around the affected regions are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure public safety. The collaborative efforts of various emergency response teams aim to mitigate risks and swiftly address any potential fire incidents, underscoring the importance of preparedness and swift action in the face of natural disasters.
