The Santa Ana winds are intensifying wildfires in Los Angeles, causing devastation and prompting urgent warnings from officials.
Sadly, at least 24 people have lost their lives, over 100,000 have been displaced, and more than 12,000 homes are either damaged or destroyed. Entire neighborhoods are just piles of ash now.
Firefighters, over 8,500 of them, are working hard to tackle the two biggest wildfires. They’re fighting from both the air and the ground, trying to keep the flames from spreading further.
With winds expected to hit 50-70 mph in Los Angeles and Ventura County, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning. They’re calling it a “particularly dangerous situation,” and the US Storm Prediction Centre is warning of “extremely critical” conditions.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has warned residents that the situation is dire. She said, “This setup is about as bad as it gets. We are not in the clear.”
So, what exactly are these Santa Ana winds? They’re dry, powerful winds that blow from the mountains down to the coast. They usually happen about ten times a year, mostly in the fall and winter.
Right now, though, the winds are even stronger than usual, thanks to a storm system over the lower Colorado River Valley. This is creating a “mountain wave” effect, which is making the winds even more intense.
When the winds blow down from the San Gabriel Mountains, they get hotter and drier, creating perfect conditions for fires. California has been super dry lately, and that lack of moisture combined with these strong winds is a recipe for disaster.
Dr. Jon Keeley, a research ecologist, points out that it’s tough to put out fires when the winds are this strong. And Dr. Tom Jeffery, a senior hazard scientist, adds that these winds are not only driving the fires but also making it hard for aircraft to help with firefighting.
As of now, there are still four major fires burning in the Los Angeles area. The latest one, called the “Auto Fire,” has just started in Ventura County, burning 56 acres so far.
Closer to the city, the Palisades Fire is only 17% contained after a week, having burned over 23,000 acres. The Eaton Fire is at 35% containment, while the Hurst Fire is looking better at 97% containment.
Firefighters are worried that the strong Santa Ana winds could undo their hard work. State authorities are getting ready, positioning fire crews to tackle any new blazes that might pop up.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasized the urgency, saying, “We are giving this fire everything we’ve got.” She urged everyone to be prepared to evacuate as the strongest winds are expected soon.
