Southern California faces a two-day period of dangerous winds starting Tuesday, raising fears that current wildfires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, could expand and new fires could ignite. Firefighters are battling the blazes and preparing for the worst.
Southern California faces a two-day period of dangerous winds starting Tuesday, raising fears that current wildfires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, could expand and new fires could ignite. Firefighters have made progress over the past few days thanks to a break in the winds, allowing for aerial attacks that prevented the Palisades fire from reaching Brentwood and Encino.
However, a new windstorm is expected to hit Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, and parts of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, bringing wind gusts ranging from 45 mph to 70 mph. This could significantly hamper firefighting efforts. \Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared. 'We are not in the clear as of yet, and we must not let our guard down,' said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley during a news conference Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a warning describing the situation as 'particularly dangerous,' emphasizing 'a continued extreme fire weather and wind scenario.' This comes as the Palisades fire has burned over 23,700 acres and is 14% contained, while the Eaton fire, spanning over 14,100 acres, is 33% contained. \To combat the impending threat, authorities have taken extensive preparatory measures. The Los Angeles City Fire Department has maximized its resources and response capabilities, strategically positioning engine strike teams and task forces for rapid deployment. Crews are reinforcing fire control lines around the existing fires, clearing dry brush from structures, and staging resources in areas susceptible to new fire ignitions. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services has also pre-positioned additional engines, fire crews, helicopters, bulldozers, and water tenders across Southern California. In anticipation of high winds that could ground aircraft, crews are preparing for a worst-case scenario, focusing on containing existing fires and preventing the spread of embers. \The situation is further complicated by the rising death toll. As of Monday, 25 deaths have been confirmed in the Palisades and Eaton fires. Eight deaths occurred in the Palisades fire, and 17 in the Eaton fire in Altadena. There are also 29 missing persons reports across both fires, all adults. The grim reality is that the death toll is expected to continue climbing. Search and recovery operations are ongoing in the fire zones, employing cadaver dogs and grid searches. Officials warn that the fires are among the deadliest in California's recent history, underscoring the severity of the situation
Wildfires Southern California Los Angeles Windstorm Eaton Fire Palisades Fire Firefighting Evacuations Deaths Missing Persons
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