Fire illuminates Mandeville Canyon during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 2025. Photo credit: Jay L. Clendenin—Getty Images
Last week, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a rare red flag warning for a “particularly dangerous situation” (PDS) to Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to strong winds. The warning, in effect from Tuesday to Thursday, described the conditions as extremely dangerous for fire weather.
Over the next three days, wildfires spread across 29,000 acres, fueled by gusts reaching up to 100 mph. As of Sunday evening, 24 fatalities have been reported, with the number expected to increase. Some of the largest fires are not yet under control.
The NWS has now issued another PDS red flag warning for early Tuesday to midday Wednesday, warning of dangerous Santa Ana winds returning, though not as severe as the previous week. These winds are still strong enough to potentially escalate fire growth.
During a joint press conference on Sunday addressing the ongoing fires and upcoming winds, Los Angeles City Fire Department chief Kristin Crowley described the situation as one of the city’s most challenging natural disasters and emphasized that the crisis is far from over.
Here’s what to know about the implications of this wind warning in the coming days.
Red flag warnings are issued by the NWS when conditions favorable for fire weather, such as strong winds, high temperatures, and low humidity, are present or expected. These winds can spread fires rapidly and carry embers to ignite new blazes.
The term “particularly dangerous situation” (PDS) is used by the NWS in rare cases to signify heightened urgency and risk in extreme weather watch alerts or warnings. It has historically been applied to tornado events but has also been utilized for flash floods, thunderstorms, windchill, and fire weather.
Santa Ana winds, known as “devil winds,” are dry, powerful winds that impact Southern California seasonally and often contribute to wildfires. Originating from high-pressure conditions in the desert region of the Great Basin, these winds gain speed as they move towards the coast.
Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone warned that the combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuel levels will maintain a very high fire threat across the entire county. Due to this imminent danger, evacuations are in place for residents at risk.
Authorities have announced that residents will not be able to return until Thursday at the earliest, leaving many evacuees frustrated as they are unable to check on the status of their properties or retrieve their belongings. According to local news reports, more than 150,000 people have been issued mandatory evacuation orders across the region.
County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the continued implementation of a curfew in affected areas, as authorities work to eliminate hazards. “I know there’s a lot of folks trying to get back to their houses,” Luna acknowledged. “We are very empathetic and sensitive to those needs, but your safety comes first.”
LA City Fire Chief Crowley also cautioned residents on Sunday to be prepared for potential further evacuation orders due to an upcoming wind event. “With this next wind event, you’ve got to stay informed,” Crowley advised. “Follow all evacuation warnings and orders—and the key here is without delay.”
In anticipation of the approaching winds, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has assured the public of their preparedness. Measures have been taken, such as dropping fire retardants from aircraft along hillsides to create barriers for containing the fires. Additionally, extra engines, fire crews, helicopters, and bulldozers have been strategically stationed throughout the region. A mobilization center has been established in Beaumont, located outside the fire-affected areas, to facilitate the rapid deployment of resources as needed.
Crowley, who previously criticized city officials for inadequate funding last week, struck a different tone on Sunday. “We are ready,” she declared. “Mayor [Karen] Bass, [Police] Chief [Jim] McDonnell, myself, and our city leaders are fully committed to ensuring that we are prepared for this next event.”
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