National Weather Service warns of fire conditions ‘as bad as it gets’published at 21:23 Greenwich Mean Time
Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott spoke to local broadcaster KCAL-TV today, warning that the winds could bring “explosive wildfire behaviour plus toppling trees and downed wires”.
In a post on Facebook, the fire department noted that the US National Weather Service (NWS) is describing the situation as a “life threatening and destructive wind storm”.
In a post yesterday, the NWS office in Los Angeles warned residents “this is about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather”.
“Stay aware of your surroundings. Be ready to evacuate, especially if in a high fire risk area. Be careful with fire sources.”
Why this area is particularly at risk for firespublished at 21:11 Greenwich Mean Time
Christal Hayes
Reporting from Los Angeles
Image source, Reuters
Smoke rises from a wildfire burning near Pacific Palisades
A fierce Santa Ana windstorm was forecast to bring gusts as strong as 80-100mph (128-160km/h) to the Los Angeles region today.
Those who live here in LA are used to hearing the term Santa Ana winds, which are strong, dry winds that originate from more inland, but the fierce winds coupled with dry conditions and low-humidity has created the perfect recipe for fires to ignite and grow at a rapid pace.
Officials throughout the region had been warning residents about the fire threat and emergency crews have stationed equipment and personnel throughout the region.
The region where the fire broke out is along the brush in a mountainous area that hangs over a densely populated region in the Pacific Palisades. It borders numerous communities and the popular Will Rogers State Beach.
The area is notoriously difficult to access as the main route in and out is through the Pacific Coast Highway, which could make evacuations difficult.
Water bomber battles blazepublished at 21:03 Greenwich Mean Time
Image source, Reuters
Firefighters are trying to slow down the Palisades blaze.
In the photo above, a water bomber aircraft can be seen picking up water from the Pacific Ocean.
The California Governor’s office has brought in additional resources ahead of today’s weather, including 45 more fire engines and five helicopters.
Fire near Los Angeles grows to 200 acrespublished at 20:58 Greenwich Mean Time
Christal Hayes
Reporting from Los Angeles
Image source, Reuters
A fire burning in the mountains near the Pacific Palisades, a community near Malibu and Santa Monica, has grown at an alarming rate.
Officials say the blaze grew from 20 acres to more than 200 acres in about 20 minutes after it was reported about 10:30 local time, placing communities under evacuation as a thick, heavy smoke hung over the region.
The growth has been fuelled by a fierce wind event that has placed a large portion of the state under a red flag warning – which warns of a high fire risk.
Wind gusts of more than 80mph (126km/h) have been whipping through Southern California.
