LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Battle-weary firefighters in Southern California are preparing for another Santa Ana wind event that will further compound efforts to contain the deadly and historic Palisades Fire – and potentially fuel new wildfires.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the region, which are expected to persist through Wednesday.
“Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will affect the typical Santa Ana Wind Corridors on Saturday to Sunday and again Monday through Wednesday,” the NWS stated. “These winds combined with dry air and dry vegetation will keep the fire weather threat in the area.”
The Weather Service said gusts could reach 30 to 50 mph in many areas, with the strongest winds in wind-prone mountains and foothills potentially reaching 50 to 75 mph.
This latest fire weather event comes as more than 3,700 firefighters from across the nation and even Canada struggle to contain the 22,000-acre Palisades Fire, which has torched thousands of structures and is already the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. It erupted on Tuesday amid hurricane-strength winds that grounded aerial firefighting crews and allowed the fire to spread largely unchecked.
After decimating the Pacific Palisades and areas of southern Malibu, the Palisades Fire marched north and east and, on Saturday, began consuming structures in Brentwood.
Several areas of L.A.’s densely populated San Fernando Valley were also under evacuation orders and warnings.
East of Los Angeles, in Altadena and Pasadena, fire crews reported progress in containing the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire, which destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
With the active fires and more gusty winds in the forecast, officials are urging residents to be prepared.
“Gather items you will need should you be evacuated,” the NWS advised.
Poor air quality is another concern.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued an air quality advisory for Los Angeles County due to lingering wildfire smoke through Sunday evening.
“Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it’s important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family’s health,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Health Officer for L.A. Angeles County. “Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.”
