Los Angeles County public safety officials on Wednesday (October 14) urged residents to prepare for the upcoming strong Santa Ana winds and the potential wildfires and power outages they may bring.
According to reports from the city’s news agency, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning, which will be in effect from Thursday night to Friday night in most parts of Los Angeles County.
Meteorologists say that low humidity and strong winds will create conditions highly conducive to fire ignition, potentially leading to rapid wildfire spread and exacerbating disasters. Wind gusts in the mountain areas are expected to reach speeds of 50 to 70 miles per hour, with strong gusts forecasted in various valleys and coastal communities. The high fire risk in some areas may persist until Saturday.
Officials are urging residents to prepare for the precautionary power outages implemented by utility companies to safeguard public safety, as well as unplanned outages caused by strong winds. County officials have pointed out that outages could affect communication, traffic signals, and medical equipment dependent on electricity.
The high temperatures will also escalate the risk. A high temperature alert is in effect in some parts of Los Angeles County from Thursday to Saturday. Residents can visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ to find cooling centers and relevant resources.
The Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments are increasing personnel deployment and prepositioning additional ground and aerial rescue resources.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is urging residents to register on notifyla.org and lafd.org/alerts to receive emergency alerts.
Due to the increased fire risk, parking restrictions will be in place during the Red Flag Warning period from 6 a.m. on Thursday to 6 a.m. on Saturday. Parking on streets in the “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones” will be prohibited to ensure smooth passage of emergency vehicles for wildfire containment and rapid evacuation of residents in case of fires.
For more information on parking restrictions and affected areas, visit www.lafd.org/redflag.
Officials stated that the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Joint Information Center will be activated on Thursday morning to enhance coordination between county departments and other agencies and ensure timely dissemination of information to the public.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone stated, “With the high fire risk, the Fire Department has prepositioned additional personnel and ground and aerial rescue resources throughout the county. Strong winds can potentially rapidly expand wildfires, and we urge residents to prepare immediately. Please understand the ‘Ready! Set! Go!’ plan, identify your evacuation zone, and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.”
Sheriff Robert Luna added that ensuring the safety of community residents and law enforcement officers is the sheriff’s office’s top priority, and proactive measures are being taken to ensure a swift and effective response to any emergency situation.
Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management Kevin McGowan noted that the department will “provide information for individuals to take action. By starting to prepare now, staying informed, and being ready to evacuate, residents can protect their own safety and that of their neighbors.”
Governor Newsom has instructed Cal Fire and the state Office of Emergency Services to predeploy rescue resources in Southern California ahead of the Santa Ana winds. “By deploying firefighters, fire engines, aircraft, and specialized equipment to the highest-risk areas, we can assist local fire departments in swiftly responding to fires because every second is critical,” he said. “During this period of high winds, we will continue to work together with partners statewide to ensure they have the personnel, equipment, and resources needed to fully safeguard the safety of California residents.”