L.A. Area Faces Unprecedented 5th ‘Particularly Dangerous’ Fire Warning
Southern California Heads into a Day of Extreme Fire Weather Conditions
Southern California is heading into a day of its most extreme fire weather conditions — an unprecedented fifth time the National Weather Service office has sounded the alarm this season of a “particularly dangerous situation.”
Peak Gusts and Sustained Winds Expected
The “particularly dangerous situation” warning is set to go into effect Monday at noon and last through Tuesday at 10 a.m. for swaths of Los Angeles County and most of Ventura County. Peak gusts of 50 mph to 70 mph are possible along the coast and valleys, while sustained winds are expected to be between 25 mph to 40 mph. Isolated gusts of up to 100 mph are possible in the mountains and foothills, while sustained winds there are expected to be between 30 mph to 50 mph, said Rose Schoenfeld, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Oxnard.
A “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Warning
A “particularly dangerous situation” is an enhancement of a red flag warning, which already warns of critical fire weather conditions and the rapid spread of fire should an ignition occur. “The PDS is highlighting an extremely dangerous environment that is very favorable to rapid fire growth if a fire were to start,” Schoenfeld said.
Areas Affected
Areas in a “particularly dangerous situation” in Los Angeles County include the northern San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the Santa Clarita Valley, and other areas to the north. They also include areas such as Altadena and Pasadena, but also areas to the northwest, from La Crescenta to the Porter Ranch area.
Much of Ventura County is also in the “particularly dangerous situation,” including Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, and Fillmore.
Conventional Red Flag Warning
A conventional red flag warning — which warns of critical fire weather conditions and the rapid spread of fire should an ignition occur — will go into effect at 8 a.m. Monday for a much larger swath of Southern California, and is expected to persist through 10 p.m. Tuesday. The red flag warning in L.A. County will also include the San Gabriel Valley, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Santa Catalina Island.
Red Flag Fire Weather Warnings
Red flag fire weather warnings have been announced for large swaths of Southern California from Monday morning through Tuesday night.
What Makes This Situation So Distinct
What makes this “particularly dangerous situation” so distinct from the four earlier warnings of this kind since November is that “this may be one of the driest, driest fire weather events that we’ve seen so far this year,” Schoenfeld said. Relative humidity could be down to just 3% for some areas, with the driest air likely on Tuesday.
Forecasters Urge Precautions
Forecasters urge people to take action now to reduce the risk of any kind of ignition or a spread of fire, and to prepare for strong, damaging winds. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, adjust travel times between Monday night and Tuesday morning, charge up electronics, flashlights, and battery packs, fill up the fuel tanks of emergency generators, and move cars away from trees that appear fragile, Schoenfeld said.
Conclusion
As the region faces this unprecedented fifth “particularly dangerous situation” warning, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. The National Weather Service and local authorities are urging residents to prepare for strong winds and to take immediate action to reduce the risk of wildfires.
FAQs
Q: What is a “particularly dangerous situation” warning?
A: A “particularly dangerous situation” warning is an enhancement of a red flag warning, which warns of critical fire weather conditions and the rapid spread of fire should an ignition occur.
Q: What areas are affected by the “particularly dangerous situation” warning?
A: Areas in a “particularly dangerous situation” in Los Angeles County include the northern San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the Santa Clarita Valley, and other areas to the north.
Q: What is the red flag warning?
A: A red flag warning warns of critical fire weather conditions and the rapid spread of fire should an ignition occur.
Q: What is the National Weather Service doing to help mitigate the risk of wildfires?
A: The National Weather Service is issuing warnings and advisories to help alert the public to the risk of wildfires and to urge them to take necessary precautions to stay safe.
