Southern California faces a critical situation with new wildfires breaking out amidst extreme fire weather conditions. High winds and low humidity fuel the flames, posing a significant threat to lives and property.
Winds intensified in Southern California on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, fanning the flames of at least two new wildfires amidst already extreme fire weather conditions. This comes just two weeks after two major blazes erupted in the Los Angeles area, which continue to burn. Gusts reaching up to 70 mph along the coast and a staggering 100 mph in the mountains and foothills are predicted during this extreme fire weather event, expected to persist through Tuesday morning.
Overnight, wind speeds ranged from 35 mph along the coast to 63 mph in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service.The National Weather Service issued a warning for a 'particularly dangerous situation' in parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning due to dangerously low humidity levels and the damaging force of Santa Ana winds. Andrew Rorke, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard, stated, 'The conditions are ripe for explosive fire growth should a fire start.' At least two small fires ignited in San Diego County. Evacuation orders were issued for the Lilac Fire, which had scorched approximately 50 acres (20 hectares) and was spreading 'with a moderate rate of spread and structures are threatened,' according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Firefighters reported progress on the Pala Fire, stating it was stopped.On Monday, Los Angeles firefighters swiftly extinguished a small brush fire south of the iconic Griffith Observatory. David Cuellar, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department, stated that a man suspected of starting the fire was taken into custody. Firefighters also quickly contained a brush fire along Interstate 405 in the Granada Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, which temporarily closed the northbound lanes. In Poway, San Diego County, firefighters aggressively battled a blaze that sparked Monday afternoon and succeeded in stopping its forward progress. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, flew to Los Angeles after attending President Donald Trump's inauguration to meet with firefighters, volunteers, and victims of the Eaton Fire in Altadena. 'We just came out to thank (firefighters), to thank the community and just remind folks that we're all in this together,' Harris stated. She confirmed that their home in Pacific Palisades was still standing. President Trump, who criticized the response to the wildfires during his inaugural address, stated that he will travel to Los Angeles on Friday to highlight wildfire relief efforts. 'Good Morning America,' while live in Southern California, announced that over $6 million was raised for fire victims as part of ABC News' expanded 'SoCal Strong' initiative. Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Monday that the devastation left by the fires underscores the need for collaboration between state and federal governments. 'I look forward to President Trump's visit to Los Angeles and his mobilization of the full weight of the federal government to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild,' Newsom said in a statement. A small amount of rain is predicted for the weekend in the Los Angeles area, though more gusty winds are expected to return on Thursday, Rorke said. Authorities urged individuals not to mow their lawns to prevent the risk of sparking a fire and advised against starting any fires that could potentially get out of control. They also urged residents to review their evacuation plans, prepare emergency kits, and remain vigilant for any new blazes, reporting them promptly. David Acuna, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said the biggest concerns are the Palisades and Eaton Fires breaking their containment lines and a new blaze starting. 'Don't do things to start another fire so we can focus on the mitigation of the current fires,' Acuna stated.The low humidity, exceptionally dry vegetation, and strong Santa Ana winds come as firefighters continue to battle two major blazes in the Los Angeles area: the Palisades and Eaton fires. These fires have claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they ignited during fierce winds on January 7. The Palisades fire was 61% contained early Tuesday and the Eaton fire 87% contained, according to fire officials. More evacuation orders were lifted Monday for Pacific Palisades, and authorities stated that only residents would be allowed back in after presenting proof of residency at a checkpoint. Over the weekend, two men impersonating firefighters attempted to enter an evacuation zone for the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles County sheriff's department
WILDFIRES CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SANTA ANA WINDS FIRE WEATHER EVACUATIONS LOS ANGELES EATON FIRE PALISADES FIRE KAMALA HARRIS DONALD TRUMP GAVIN NEWSOM
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