Winds picked up in Southern California on Tuesday, two weeks after a major blaze broke out in the Los Angeles area, and at least two wildfires continued to grow as firefighters remained on alert amid extreme weather. Two of them are still burning today.
Fresh strong winds blowing in still-dry conditions signal the end of dangerous conditions with a high risk of fire, allowing the besieged city's fire brigade to recover thousands of homes. We were able to almost extinguish the devastating fire that had destroyed the area. The fire has killed at least 27 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since it broke out amid strong winds on January 7.
During the extreme fire weather, which is expected to last into Tuesday morning, wind gusts could reach 70 mph (113 kph) along the coast and 160 kph (160 kph) in the mountains and foothills. The National Weather Service reported overnight wind speeds ranged from 35 mph (56 km/h) along the coast to 63 mph (101 km/h) in the mountains.
The National Weather Service warned of “particularly hazardous conditions” in parts of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego counties from Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning due to low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds.
“The conditions are ripe for explosive fire growth should a fire occur,” said Andrew Rourke, a meteorologist with the Oxnard National Weather Service.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Monday that the city was preparing for the possibility of new fires and warned that strong winds could blow ash from existing fire zones across Southern California. She encouraged Angelenos to visit lacity.gov to learn how to protect themselves from harmful air during Santa Ana's high winds.
Cal Fire and local fire departments have deployed fire engines, water cannons and emergency personnel throughout the region to quickly respond in the event of a new blaze.
At least three small fires broke out in San Diego County. Evacuation orders were issued for the Lilac Fire, which has burned about 50 acres (20 hectares). The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said it was “growing at a moderate rate and threatening structures.” Firefighters were able to extinguish the Para fire and the fire was reported to be under control, officials said. A separate fire, the Friars Fire, ignited near a highway Monday afternoon, prompting crews to quickly respond, the San Diego Fire Department said in a statement.
On Monday, Los Angeles firefighters quickly extinguished a small wildfire south of the iconic triple-domed Griffith Observatory.
A man suspected of starting the fire was taken into custody, Los Angeles Police Department spokesman David Cuellar said. Firefighters quickly extinguished a wildfire along Interstate 405 in Granada Hills, near Los Angeles, which temporarily closed northbound lanes.
Firefighters aggressively extinguished a fire in the city of Poway in San Diego County on Monday afternoon, stopping the fire from progressing.
Rourke said the Los Angeles area is expected to see some light rain over the weekend, but stronger winds are expected Thursday.
Officials urged people not to mow their lawns or start fires that could get out of control. He also called on residents to review their evacuation plans, prepare emergency supplies, be wary of new fires, and report them immediately.
David Acuña, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said the biggest concern is that the Palisades and Eaton fires have destroyed containment lines and started new fires.
“Let's focus on mitigating the current fires and not start new fires,” Acuña said.
Further evacuation orders were lifted in the Pacific Palisades on Monday, with authorities announcing that only residents who showed proof of residency at checkpoints would be allowed to return.
Associated Press contributed report
