Winds Returnto LA:WildfiresThreaten,Homes,Lives,and Communities
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The Los Angeles area is experiencing a short break from the powerful Santa Ana winds. However, the National Weather Service has warned that these winds are expected to return late Tuesday night into early Wednesday, bringing a heightened risk of rapidly spreading wildfires.
During much of the day, conditions were milder than predicted, but wind gusts of 50-70 mph in the mountains and 30-50 mph in coastal and valley areas are still expected. The Red Flag Warnings, which carry the rare “particularly dangerous situation” designation, will be in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
"We are not out of the woods yet. Please stay on guard for a fast-moving fire," the National Weather Service cautioned on social media.
Ongoing Wildfire
Crisis
Over the past eight days, Southern California wildfires have devastated entire neighborhoods, claimed at least 24 lives, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and relentless drought, the fires have destroyed or damaged over 12,000 homes, businesses, and other structures.
Efforts to combat the fires have been bolstered by additional firefighters from Canada, Mexico, and neighboring U.S. states. Officials are particularly concerned about the Palisades and Eaton fires, which could expand due to the incoming winds.
- Palisades Fire: 23,713 acres burned, 18% contained.
- Eaton Fire: 14,117 acres burned, 35% contained.
- Auto Fire (Ventura County): 61 acres burned, 47% contained, with forward progress halted.
In San Diego, two small brush fires were successfully extinguished Tuesday before they could cause significant damage.
Evacuation Urged
for Thousands
Sheriff Robert Luna urged the 84,800 Los Angeles County residents under evacuation warnings to leave their homes immediately. “When we’re giving you warnings, that’s probably the time you should think about going,” he said during a press conference.
While the number of residents under mandatory evacuation orders has decreased to 88,000, Luna emphasized the situation remains dangerous as winds intensify. A curfew from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday is in effect for areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Firefighters Push to Reinforce Containment
Fire crews are focusing on strengthening containment lines and conducting patrols to address remaining hotspots. Urban search and rescue teams are actively assessing damage, addressing hazards, and confirming reports of missing persons.
“These operations are unprecedented in size and scale,” Cal Fire said, highlighting their importance in mitigating risks and obtaining accurate loss estimates.
Toxic Debris and
Health Warnings
Returning evacuees face the daunting task of cleaning up toxic ash and debris. Authorities are advising residents to avoid using leaf blowers and instead clean surfaces with damp cloths or mops. An advisory is in effect for blowing ash, urging people to stay indoors, close windows, and wear N-95 masks or respirators for protection.
“Dust and ash may cause irritation or exacerbate health conditions, particularly for children, older adults, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions,” the Los Angeles County Public Health Department warned.
Environmental cleanup expert Katie Arrington emphasized the danger of sifting through debris, comparing it to hazardous “burn pits” used by the military.
“It’s highly toxic. You’re not just dealing with your house but also neighbors’ houses and cars,” she said.
A Community on
Edge
Some residents who stayed behind during the fires reported hearing explosions and dealing with looters. “The first two nights were terrible,” said one resident, who relied on a rifle for security as propane tanks and ammunition exploded in the distance.
Others remain trapped by curfews, living without power and heating their homes with gas fireplaces. “It sounded like Iraq,” one homeowner recounted, describing the harrowing nights.
For now, Los Angeles continues to brace for the winds' return, hoping to prevent further devastation while grappling with the long road to recovery.
