Brush Fires Erupt Amid Powerful Windstorm in Southern California
A destructive and life-threatening windstorm is wreaking havoc across Southern California, significantly raising the risk of wildfires in the region. The National Weather Service has issued warnings as strong gusts continue to batter Los Angeles and Ventura counties, peaking with speeds of up to 80 mph in some areas. Isolated gusts in mountain and foothill regions could exceed 100 mph.
Key Developments
- Palisades Fire: Pacific Palisades Charter High School caught fire early this morning, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency declaration by the City of Los Angeles.
- Eaton Fire: Homes in Altadena were damaged as the fire spread rapidly, leading to expanded evacuation orders into Pasadena.
- Sylmar Fire: A new blaze, the Hurst Fire, erupted late Tuesday near the 210 Freeway, with flames consuming over 100 acres.
- Evacuations and Alerts: Red flag warnings remain in effect through Thursday evening for vast areas, including Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, and several valleys.
Major Incidents
Palisades Fire
- Evacuations: Orders have expanded east to Kenter Avenue, north to Mulholland Road, south to Pacific Coast Highway, and west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
- Injuries: A 25-year-old firefighter sustained a serious head injury while battling the flames. Multiple burn victims were also treated near the site.
Eaton Fire
- Impact: Several homes in Altadena were engulfed in flames as the fire grew to 400 acres.
- Evacuations: Mandatory orders are in place for areas including Altadena Drive, Kinneloa Canyon Road, and Sierra Madre Villa Avenue. An evacuation center has been established at the Pasadena Civic Center.
- Emergency Declarations: Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for resources.
Sylmar Fire
- Details: The Hurst Fire ignited late Tuesday, spreading rapidly near the 210 Freeway. Residents north of the freeway from Roxford to the I-5/14 split have been ordered to evacuate immediately.
Statements and Responses
- President Joe Biden: The president expressed concern over the escalating situation and announced federal support, including a Fire Management Assistance Grant to aid California’s firefighting efforts.
- City of Santa Monica: Evacuation orders were issued for areas north of San Vicente due to an “immediate threat to life.”
Key Fire Zones and Red Flag Alerts
Red flag warnings remain in effect until Thursday at 6 p.m. for:
- Regions: Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and surrounding mountain areas.
- Highways: 5 Freeway and 14 Freeway corridors.
How to Stay Safe
Residents in affected areas are urged to:
- Prepare for Evacuations: Pack essential items, including medications, pets, and documents.
- Stay Informed: Follow local alerts and evacuation orders.
- Avoid Fire Zones: Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until authorities declare it safe.
Latest Headlines
- Sylmar Fire (39 minutes ago): New brush fire prompts immediate evacuations.
- Eaton Fire (1 hour ago): Expanded evacuations into Pasadena; homes damaged.
- Palisades Fire (2 hours ago): Firefighter injured; evacuation zone widened.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
