Fil-Ams warned about extreme fire risk in LA region
FILE – Trees sway in high winds as the Eaton Fire burns structures Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
LOS ANGELES – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has issued an advisory warning Filipinos in Los Angeles and Ventura counties about the “particularly dangerous situation” of extreme fire risk in the region due to damaging Santa Ana winds and very low humidity.
Santa Ana winds have returned to Southern California this week, bringing extreme risk of rapid fire spread as LA continues to battle wildfires that ignited under similar conditions earlier this month.
“Particularly dangerous situation” or PDS – the highest red flag warning – was in place Monday and Tuesday for a large portion of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
“Critical fire weather conditions are expected. Extreme caution is advised,” the Consulate’s advisory said. “Those near wildland areas should be prepared to evacuate in case of a wildfire.”
The warning was in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Malibu coast, western Santa Monica Mountains recreation area, the Interstate 5 corridor, San Gabriel Valley and north of the 210 Freeway including Altadena and Glendora.
Southern California was bracing for another dangerous wind event early this week, as firefighters made more steady progress Monday on the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires.
Forecasters say a “moderate to strong” Santa Ana wind event is expected, with isolated gusts of 80 to 100 mph expected in most wind-prone mountain locations, such as the San Gabriel, western Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains,
Officials are urging residents to review their evacuation plans and make sure emergency kits are stocked with needed items should they have to evacuate.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory through 10 p.m. Tuesday, with strong Santa Ana winds expected to affect the region. Officials advised residents to stay indoors, and to wear protective masks and eye-wear upon stepping out.
Containment of the 14,117-acre Eaton Fire grew to 81 percent overnight, up from 73 percent, as firefighters, aided by water-dropping helicopters, continued extinguishing hot spots in steep, inaccessible canyons near Winters Creek, Mt. Lowe and Mt. Wilson before a new wind event moves into the region.
The 23,713-acre Palisades Fire was 52 percent contained, up overnight from 49 percent.
Evacuation orders were lifted for dozens of areas in both fires this weekend, though some homes were still without electricity and gas service due to safety shutoffs.
The fires erupted on Jan. 7 as the area was under a red flag warning for critical fire danger due to a historic wind event that saw gusts of 80 mph.
Together, the fires have killed at least 27 people and destroyed at least 14,362 structures. As of Sunday, more than 8,300 firefighting personnel were engaged in the efforts to fight the blazes.
By the time all the damage in assessed, the fires are expected to constitute the costliest natural disaster in US history.
