A wildfire, known as the Palisades Fire, ignited early Tuesday morning near Los Angeles, rapidly escalating as fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions fuel its growth. The fire has prompted mandatory evacuations in several areas, with a shelter now open for displaced residents.
David Ortiz of the Los Angeles Fire Department described the situation as “the worst possible scenario” for firefighters due to the intense winds, which are forecast to reach up to 100 mph. Video footage, shared by actor James Woods, showed homes in his neighborhood engulfed in flames as the fire spread quickly.
Leaving pic.twitter.com/yJDQ8xIhbI
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 7, 2025
The strong winds are expected to persist until Wednesday afternoon or evening, with the most perilous conditions predicted overnight, between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., when wind gusts could reach 100 mph. Senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman from weather.com noted that this could be the strongest Santa Ana wind event in several years.
A total of 100 firefighters are currently battling the blaze. Evacuations have been mandated for areas including Merrimac Road, Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and neighborhoods near Pacific Coast Highway.
Santa Ana winds are created by specific weather conditions, including a strong pressure difference between the Great Basin and the coast, and winds from higher altitudes pushing down to the surface. These winds often funnel through Southern California’s mountains, picking up speed as they accelerate through canyons and passes. The winds, named after one of these canyons, are notorious for triggering wildfires and causing structural damage.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles issued a warning about the extreme fire conditions, labeling the situation as a “Particularly Dangerous Situation.” Red flag warnings, signaling the potential for dangerous fire weather, are in effect across much of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, extending into other areas like inland Orange County and the San Bernardino foothills.
Southern California Edison, a major utility provider in the region, also warned of potential power shutoffs to reduce the risk of wildfires sparked by downed power lines or airborne debris. The utility emphasized that although the power grid is built to endure strong winds, debris striking wires or trees falling could still pose significant dangers.
As the fire continues to burn under extreme conditions, authorities and utility companies are taking precautionary measures to protect residents and minimize damage.
source: theweatherchannel