What’s next for Los Angeles wildfire crisis?

Several burning wildfires may spread across Southern California before they are under control, based on alarming forecasts of more gusty winds early this week.

Forced forest fires Tens of thousands to evacuate Los Angeles last week. Fires are Supercharged Due to extremely dry conditions on the ground and strong winds coming from the northeast, causing the inferno to spread rapidly across a densely populated area. Some of the strongest wind gusts that fueled the fires’ spread last week reached speeds of about 100 mph (161 kph). The latest weather reports indicate that conditions will remain very favorable for wildfire spread through at least mid-week.

According to the National Weather Service He warnsWeather conditions in the area will once again bring strong winds across typically favorable areas across coastal Southern California today with wind speeds in the range of 40 to 50 mph (64 to 80 km/h).

“Conditions are expected to worsen in these locations by Tuesday morning, with winds of approximately 70 mph (113 km/h) likely,” the alert added.

Combined with low humidity across the region and recent lack of rain, conditions are ripe for wildfires. Nuclear weapons Issued A red flag warning of a particularly dangerous situation for Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara lasts from Monday night through Wednesday morning.

A red flag warning “means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now…or will occur soon,” according to the National Weather Service. “A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”

according to Cal FireThere are currently 105 wildfires larger than 10 acres burning across the state. The largest fires to date are the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County, which have burned 23,713 acres and 14,117 acres, respectively. The Palisades Fire is currently 14% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 33% contained. The Hearst Fire, which burned 800 acres also in Los Angeles County, is 89% contained. All fires started on January 7.

In total, California’s current wildfire emergency has burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed 12,300 structures, and killed 13 people, Cal Fire reports, though The New York Times has The death toll is 24 And counting.

It’s not a great start to the year, especially considering that Forest fire season It usually extends from May until November. Although 40,000 acres doesn’t compare much to the 1 million acres in California that burned last year, we’re not even two weeks into January. In addition, the location of persistent fires makes them particularly dangerous; Last year’s 8,000 wildfires caused just one death and damaged or destroyed 2,148 structures – numbers far lower than this year.

The origin of the fires is still under investigation. Forest fires have many sources, from human activity to electrocuted birds that catch fire (seriously).

there Several important steps You can take it if you are in an area that may be prone to wildfires. If you want help with wildfire recovery, you can find resources in Los Angeles County Website.