The LA fires in California, which started in early January 2025 and continue to rage in some areas, may see renewed growth due to extreme winds. A warning has been issued about increased windspeeds in the days to come. However, the forecast states that high Santa Ana winds will drop towards the end of the week and, combined with higher humidity, should give firefighters a chance to combat the blazes.
A warning has been issued for extreme Santa Ana winds as LA fires continue to rage
Western Los Angeles and most of Ventura County have been issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) red flag warning for the period from 4 a.m. on Tuesday, 14 January, to noon on Wednesday, 15 January. The risk of fires is heightened at a time when firefighters are already working urgently to control a number of blazes devastating the region.
The death toll is sitting at 24 confirmed lives lost.
What wind and humidity conditions are expected?
The fresh wave of Santa Ana wind action started on Monday, 13 January, but the strongest gusts will be experienced between Tuesday and Wednesday. Forecasters note that the peak windspeeds during this event will not be as high as those seen last week, although they still have the potential to cause explosive fire growth of the historic wildfires currently sweeping Southern California.
From Tuesday, 4 a.m., gusts of 70 mph are expected in the mountains and humidity could reach as low as 8% in some areas. The affected regions during this Santa Ana wind event will be slightly different areas to last week, extending more into the western areas of L.A. County, covering most of Ventura County, and possibly parts of Santa Barbara County.
What the status of the LA fires in California?
Thousands of firefighters have been dispatched to control fires across 45 square miles of densely-populated Los Angeles County. Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Chief, said 70 extra water trucks have been deployed to fight blazes spread by renewed gusts of hot air movement.
Around 105,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders while 87,000 are in limbo under an evacuation warning.
California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on social media late on Sunday:
“Emergency responders are ready tonight. Pre-positioned firefighters and engines are spread around Southern California. Stay safe. Be ready to evacuate if you get the order.”
The strongest winds will begin to subside from Wednesday midday, although speeds in the mountains are expected to remain elevated at noon Wednesday.
Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augistin is uncertain what the week will bring:
“Once we get past Wednesday night, I’m going to be saying, ‘Wooh, we made it, and this fire is just about under control,’ and then we’re going to spend the next couple of weeks just mopping up hotspots and embers. Or, ‘This fire’s going to take off on Tuesday or Wednesday with these increased wind conditions.'”
How much damage has been caused?
On Monday morning, it was reported that more than 40,000 acres have been covered by the LA fires. The largest of the fires this year, the Palisades Fire, had spread to cover more than 23,000 acres as of Sunday, 12 January. This includes areas across the Pacific Palisades and along the Pacific Coast Highway. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that only 13% of the blaze was under containment.
The Eaton Fire is also still active and has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena. It is only 27% contained.
Almost 50,000 homes and businesses are still without electricity in SoCal, with the bulk of the blackouts being in Los Angeles.
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