Wildfires: What to Know
What to Know
- Evacuation orders remain in effect for the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County nearly a week after they started in a Santa Ana windstorm.
- Strong winds return Monday night and continue through Wednesday for parts of Southern California.
- A red flag warning will be in effect, indicating dangerous wildfire conditions.
- Some areas will be under a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) red flag warning, indicating elevated fire conditions beyond a typical red flag warning.
- The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire have burned a combined 38,600 acres in Los Angeles County.
Winds will gain strength Monday when a red flag warning goes into effect for parts of Southern California ahead of an even more severe fire weather warning as two large wildfires burn in Los Angeles County.
The red flag conditions return after a weekend when winds diminished, allowing firefighters to increase containment of the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, two of the most destructive wildfires on record in California. The fires started January 7 during a powerful Santa Ana windstorm.
This week’s strong winds arrive Monday night and continue into mid-week.
"We’ll see some of the strongest winds begin (Monday night) and last all the way through Wednesday morning," said NBC4 meteorologist Shanna Mendiola. "So, that’s when we’re going to see those red flag warnings pop up, and within those red flag warnings, a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) red flag warning embedded in this one."
What parts of LA will be under a red flag warning?
The red flag warning will be in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday, but could be extended. Areas under the warning will see moderate Santa Ana winds and low humidity, creating extreme fire danger.
Those areas include the Ventura County mountains and coast, Malibu, the Santa Clarita Valley north of Los Angeles, parts of the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains, much of inland Orange County, and parts of the Inland Empire.
What areas will be under a PDS red flag warning?
The elevated PDS red flag warning goes into effect Tuesday at 4 a.m. It will cover three parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- The 5 Freeway corridor in northern Los Angeles County known as the Grapevine.
- A large swath of the region from the San Fernando Valley into Ventura County, including Ventura, Fillmore, Simi Valley, Porter Ranch, and other locations.
- Western Santa Monica Mountains above the Los Angeles County coast.
What are Santa Ana winds?
Wind moves from high pressure to low pressure. When you add Southern California’s rugged topography of mountains, canyons, and passes, that wind can now pick up speed as it’s channeled through those areas.
"They’re specific to our area because of the topography," said Mendiola. "High pressure and low pressure play a big part in this. Our winds flow from high to low, and they come through the passes and canyons. We call these the offshore winds. They come from the deserts through the passes over the mountains and compress downhill."
Conclusion
As the region prepares for another week of strong winds, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest fire weather conditions and evacuation orders. Remember to stay safe, and follow the guidelines provided by local authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning indicates dry and windy conditions that could lead to the rapid spread of a wildfire. -
What is a PDS red flag warning?
A PDS red flag warning indicates elevated fire conditions beyond a typical red flag warning. -
What are Santa Ana winds?
Santa Ana winds are strong, gusty winds that occur in Southern California, particularly during the fall and winter months, when high-pressure systems dominate the region. They are known for their ability to dry out the air, making it more prone to wildfires. - What should I do in case of a wildfire?
Stay informed about evacuation orders and follow the guidelines provided by local authorities. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials, and stay safe.
