LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern Californians are preparing for high winds and an increased risk of wildfires less than two weeks after the outbreak of deadly flames that killed at least 27 people and charred thousands of homes.
The National Weather Service has warned of a “ particularly dangerous situation ” for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning due to low humidity and damage Santa Ana wind. Wind gusts could peak at 70 mph (113 km per hour) along the coast and 100 mph (160 km per hour) in the mountains and foothills.
Windy weather and single-digit humidity are expected to continue through Thursday, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. He said the fire risk is also increased because the region has not seen rain since April.
Critical fire conditions with wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour were also forecast for Southern California communities stretching as far as San Diego on Monday and Tuesday, with residents urged to take steps to prepare for evacuation, such as creating an emergency kit and keeping cars. filled with at least half a tank of gasoline. A windblown dust and ash advisory was also issued as high winds could spread ash from existing fire zones in Southern California.
The warnings come as firefighters continue to battle two major fires in the Los Angeles area, the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they broke out during high winds on Jan. 7. The Palisades Fire was 52% contained. Sunday and the Eaton fire were 81% contained, according to fire officials.
Firefighters have made progress on the edge of the Palisades fire, which has blackened more than 60 square miles (96 square kilometers) near the Pacific coast, but there are areas inland still burning, said Dan Collins, a police spokesman. Fire incident at Palisades.
“There’s always a possibility that a red flag could warn that something hot, or some kind of burning material could be picked up from inland and blown over the containment lines,” Collins said.
While firefighters are fairly confident the Eaton fire will be contained further inland, there are concerns that another fire could break out due to vegetation. especially dry for this time of year, said Carlos Herrera, a spokesman for the Eaton Fire Department.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has positioned fire engines, water drop planes and hand crews throughout the region to respond quickly if another fire breaks out, the governor’s office of emergency services said.
“This proactive approach has proven to be a critical part of California’s wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate,” the office said.
Damage estimates for the Palisades and Eaton fires have continued to rise nearly two weeks since they began. Inspectors have responded to checking buildings and assessing damage, but Collins said it’s impossible to know if the remaining buildings affected by the Palisades fire are intact.
“Our damage inspection teams are required to inspect every structure within the fire boundary,” Collins said. “They’re about two-thirds of the way.”
Fire officials said they were focusing on repopulating evacuated areas, with residents allowed to return Sunday to the hilly area of Pacific Palisades known as the Highlands.
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Authorities said two people were arrested Saturday while trying to enter an evacuation zone due to the Palisades fire. An investigation is underway for posing as firefighters. The pair were wearing gear and claimed to be from an Oregon fire department, but they were not. The truck they were riding in was purchased at auction, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.