Flames and smoke are seen near power lines as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighbourhood and Encino, California, on January 11, Photo: Patrick T. Santa Ana winds are whipping Southern California on Tuesday, sparking fresh fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40, acres and left 28 dead could be reversed and more blazes could break out. New wildfires have flared in San Diego County, but fire activity has already decreased significantly in the acre Lilac Fire, which is now 10 percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Another wildfire briefly broke out near the famed Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Monday, but firefighters quickly put it out, with no damage to nearby structures. Another wildfire briefly broke out near the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.
Small fires in the Granada Hills and Tujunga neighbourhoods of LA were stopped before any homes were damaged or destroyed, and no evacuation orders were issued, Los Angeles Fire Department chief Kristin Crowley said on Tuesday. The potent Santa Ana winds will calm down later on Tuesday, but winds will still be gusty at times through until Thursday afternoon. These gusts, combined with continued dry conditions, will keep fire weather risks elevated.
A "particularly dangerous situation" warning has expired but red flag warnings remain in effect until 10pm on Tuesday US time. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a windblown dust and ash advisory through until Tuesday due to the strong winds and the particles left behind by the fires potentially impacting air quality throughout the county. Burned-out cars and homes reduced to rubble by the Palisades Fire are seen in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California, on January 12, Firefighting teams pre-deployed in anticipation of the high winds and greater fire risk, officials said.
The Los Angeles Fire Department "has deployed all available resources and strategically positioned fire patrols and fire engines in the high-risk areas across the city of Los Angeles β¦ we are also strategically managing our emergency operations to ensure a rapid response to all new fires", Crowley said. Additionally, firefighting teams from around the region have also pre-positioned fire engines and firefighting aircraft across Southern California, according to Crowley.
