Firefighters in Southern California swiftly contained multiple brush fires on Monday, as the region faced windy and dry conditions that heightened the risk of new wildfires. The area is still grappling with two major blazes that ignited two weeks ago and continue to burn in the Los Angeles vicinity.
The National Weather Service issued a warning for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties due to low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds, creating a 'particularly dangerous situation.' Gusts could reach up to 70 mph along the coast and 100 mph in the mountains and foothills, with extreme fire weather expected to persist through Tuesday.
Authorities emphasized the potential for rapid fire growth under these conditions and urged residents to exercise caution. Fire crews successfully extinguished several brush fires that erupted, including incidents near the Griffith Observatory and along Interstate 405 in Granada Hills.
In San Diego County, firefighters contained a blaze in Poway after aggressive efforts to halt its progress. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband visited Los Angeles to meet with firefighters, volunteers, and fire victims, expressing gratitude and solidarity with the community.
President Donald Trump, who plans to visit Los Angeles, has been urged by Governor Gavin Newsom to mobilize federal resources to aid in recovery efforts. Despite a forecast of light rain over the weekend, the return of gusty winds later in the week poses ongoing challenges.
Authorities advised against activities that could spark fires and urged residents to review evacuation plans and remain vigilant for new blazes. Fire officials highlighted containment efforts for the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have collectively destroyed over 14,000 structures since their outbreak on January 7.
Evacuation orders were lifted in Pacific Palisades, with restricted re-entry for residents only. Precautions against toxic air dispersal from existing fire zones were emphasized by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who assured the city's readiness for potential new fires.
Cal Fire and local departments have strategically positioned resources across the region for rapid response, with additional crews deployed in high-risk areas. Los Angeles fire officials confirmed the readiness of all available engines and extended shifts for firefighters to bolster response capabilities.
