Tuesday’s strong winds have the potential to reignite and intensify the massive fires that have ravaged areas of Los Angeles, killing at least 24 people and possibly permanently altering the landscape of the second-largest city in the United States.
Forecasters warned that “particularly dangerous” Santa Ana winds will increase the risk of wildfires for already worn-out firefighters a week after fires broke out and expanded unchecked.
“Stay aware of your surroundings. Be ready to evacuate. Avoid anything that can spark a fire,” the National Weather Service warned.
A Red Flag warning was in effect for much of Southern California, meaning that conditions would be ideal for wildfire due to extreme dryness and strong winds that might reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (110 kilometers per hour).
The NWS designated a portion of Los Angeles County and a large portion of neighboring Ventura County as being in a “Particularly Dangerous Situation,” a designation that was also issued prior to the fatal fires that occurred last week.
“All the plants and vegetation is really dry and ready to burn so… fires can grow pretty fast,” meteorologist Ryan Kittell told AFP.
He warned that new ignitions may soon become problematic and that the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which are both still burning in certain spots, could erupt.
Firefighters rushed to suppress a new fire that started late Monday near Oxnard, 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Los Angeles, sending people on edge.
After hydrants ran out during the initial combat, officials emphasized that they were prepared for any additional dangers, especially in the vicinity of the current burn sites.
“Please be assured that the Los Angeles County region is prepared,” fire chief Anthony Marrone said.
“We have checked the water system in the Eaton fire area, and it is operational, meaning that we have water and we have pressure.”
With 14,000 acres of the city of Altadena severely burned and 24,000 acres (9,700 hectares) of the exclusive Pacific Palisades in ruins, the threat has returned.
Toxic ash was also being whipped up by gusting winds, and health officials advised everyone to wear masks.
“Ash is not just dirt,” said Anish Mahajan of LA County Public Health Department.
“It’s hazardous fine dust that can irritate or harm your respiratory system and other parts of your body where it lands.”
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