#pacificpalisadesfire

[aim00074]

Two fast-moving wildfires, driven by powerful winds, have forced evacuations in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The Palisades Fire has scorched over 2,900 acres since igniting Tuesday morning

[delhichronicles]

Southern California Wildfires Intensify as Santa Ana Winds Continue to Wreak Havoc

The fast-moving wildfires tearing through Southern California have left communities devastated, fueled by the infamous Santa Ana winds, which have created perfect conditions for the flames to spread uncontrollably. Authorities are warning of further destruction as these winds, known for their dry and gusty nature, are expected to peak with gusts reaching up to 100 mph in some areas. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has been working around the clock to combat the wildfires, which have already claimed five lives and left over 300,000 people without power. The largest fires, including the Pacific Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, have collectively scorched more than 26,000 acres. Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, containment remains a significant challenge as the region braces for another round of brutal winds. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "By no stretch of the imagination are we out of the woods. The destruction is extensive, and the number of structures lost is staggering." In response to the escalating crisis, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, with shelters filling up across Los Angeles County. In Altadena, a senior center had to be urgently evacuated as flames from the Eaton Fire threatened the area. Scenes of chaos and desperation have become all too familiar as families flee their neighborhoods, unsure if they will have homes to return to.

The Role of Santa Ana Winds

The Santa Ana winds, often referred to as "devil winds", are a unique meteorological phenomenon that significantly contributes to Southern California's wildfire crises. These winds originate from high-pressure systems over the Great Basin, where dry air flows towards the coast, accelerating as it squeezes through mountain passes and canyons. Humidity levels in Southern California have plummeted to 10-20%, drying out vegetation and turning it into kindling for fires. Meteorologists predict that humidity could drop even further in the coming days, exacerbating fire risks. The winds, which can reach 80-100 mph in mountainous regions, carry embers over long distances, igniting new fires and making containment efforts nearly impossible. Even a small spark—whether from a downed power line or a discarded cigarette—can escalate into a raging inferno under these conditions. The winds push fires downhill at alarming speeds, overwhelming fire crews and endangering residents. Alex Hall, director of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, explained, "Imagine the Great Basin as a giant bowl with holes representing mountain passes. When high-pressure air builds in this bowl, it rushes out through these holes, gaining speed and drying out as it descends into Southern California." The Santa Ana winds have been a driving force behind some of the most devastating wildfires in California's history. For instance, the 2018 Woolsey Fire burned nearly 100,000 acres, including portions of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and destroyed over 1,600 structures. Similar conditions are now fueling the current crisis, with experts warning that the worst may be yet to come.

Communities at Risk in California

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme weather warnings for several areas, including: Highways 118/210 corridors, San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, Cities such as Pasadena, Altadena, Burbank, Hollywood, and Malibu. These regions face life-threatening conditions as the winds intensify, pushing flames into urban areas and threatening critical infrastructure. Fire ecologists like Chad Hanson have described the situation as dire. "It's a rough night for fire crews. These winds create extreme, sustained events that leave little room for error," Hanson said. Despite the challenges, firefighters continue to battle the blazes, using every resource available to protect lives and property. Emergency services are deploying additional crews and equipment to high-risk areas. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels. Meanwhile, utilities are working to restore power to the hundreds of thousands affected, although progress has been slow due to the hazardous conditions. What Comes Next? Meteorologists warn that the Santa Ana winds will persist through Thursday, maintaining the dangerous conditions that have already caused so much devastation. With no significant rain in the forecast, Southern California faces an uphill battle in its efforts to control the fires and prevent further loss. The Southern California wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and the destructive power of nature. As the Santa Ana winds continue to fan the flames, the priority remains protecting lives and minimizing damage. However, long-term solutions are needed to address the root causes of these disasters, from climate change to urban planning. For now, the resilience and determination of the affected communities and emergency responders offer a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. Read the full article

[telltalesonline]

Jamie Lee Curtis Gets Backlash for Wild Claim about LA Fires

The actress is being roasted for her tone-deaf remarks.

[tom-h-hall]

Smoke on the Water! #pacificpalisadesfire #MyDayInLA (at Santa Monica, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B356MIQJlCm/?igshid=oen4sqqloprc