FEMA Alerts: Strong Winds to Intensify Wildfire Hazards in LA This Week
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated, “What I’m hearing right now is that the winds are potentially getting dangerous and strong again.”
The leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cautioned on Sunday that wind conditions in Southern California may exacerbate the already devastating wildfires raging near Los Angeles, despite recent containment efforts.
“I believe the red flag warnings have been reinstated, and it’s crucial for people to understand that this is still a dangerous situation. They must ensure they listen to their local authorities to stay safe.”
As of Sunday morning, CalFire reported that fires originating from four separate neighborhoods in Los Angeles had burned over 62 square miles, an area exceeding that of San Francisco. A fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood was reported to be 11 percent contained, while another that ignited in Eaton Canyon, located in the San Gabriel Mountains, had achieved 27 percent containment. These two fires alone accounted for 59 square miles of destruction.
Tuesday is expected to be the most hazardous day, according to meteorologist Rich Thompson from the weather service.
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“We are expecting extremely strong gusts of Santa Ana winds, coupled with a very dry atmosphere and parched brush, leading to critical fire weather conditions,” Thompson stated during a community meeting on Saturday night.
Criswell cautioned on Sunday that the return of winds will render the wildfires unpredictable, advising those wishing to return home to remain vigilant. “With the winds picking back up, it’s just unpredictable how they will shift,” Criswell added.
“It’s essential for individuals to stay informed, ensuring that they remain out of harm’s way so our firefighters can continue their crucial work in trying to contain the fires,” she emphasized.
When asked about expectations for the coming days, Criswell remarked, “It all hinges on the weather,” emphasizing that firefighters in Los Angeles are diligently working around the clock to manage the ongoing fires.
“While resources are available, shifts in weather can drastically change the operational environment,” the FEMA director mentioned. “The priority remains safety for our firefighters as they strive to protect the homes in the fire’s path.”
Approximately 150,000 individuals in Los Angeles County are still under evacuation orders, with over 700 residents currently seeking refuge in nine designated shelters, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
In addition to the fires, looting poses a growing concern, with authorities reporting a rise in arrests. Captain Michael Lorenz of the Los Angeles Police Department indicated that seven individuals were arrested over the past weekend.
“We have even detained two suspects pretending to be firefighters, entering properties,” Lorenz explained during a community meeting on Saturday.
“California did NOT reduce our firefighting budget. We have nearly doubled the size of our firefighting force and established the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet,” he stated, while adding that the state “has INCREASED forest management ten-fold since we took office.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
