Weather Set to Heighten Los Angeles Fire Risks After Respite

Los Angeles: The weather is about to turn again, and it’s not looking good. After a brief break, the winds are picking up, and that means fire risks are back on the table. Firefighters had a moment to catch their breath, but now they’re gearing up for another tough fight.

The US Storm Prediction Center is warning that dry winds will sweep through Southern California starting late Saturday. This could last into the first half of the week, putting millions at risk. Brian Hurley from the Weather Prediction Center is worried about new fires popping up. He mentioned there’s no rain in sight, which isn’t great news.

It’s been a rough week for LA. At least 11 people have lost their lives, and thousands of homes have been destroyed. The Palisades and Eaton fires are among the worst in California’s history, and they’re still raging. The damage is so severe that it’s being compared to the Northridge earthquake back in 1994.

As of late Friday, the Palisades fire had burned over 21,000 acres and was only 8% contained. The Eaton fire near Pasadena has taken out more than 14,000 acres and is just 3% contained. Together, they’ve destroyed over 10,000 structures. Evacuations are in place, especially in areas like Sunset Boulevard and Encino Reservoir.

While firefighters are battling the flames, city officials are starting to point fingers. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticized city leaders for cutting the fire department’s budget, saying it hurt their response efforts. Mayor Karen Bass defended her budget cuts, claiming they were necessary during tough times.

Governor Gavin Newsom is also getting involved, asking for a review of why hydrants in fire zones ran low on water. He’s concerned about a reservoir that was closed for repairs when the fires broke out. The lack of water is a big issue for the community.

Utilities are feeling the heat too. They’ve been cutting power to residents as a precaution. Edison International is under scrutiny, with questions about whether their equipment sparked the fires. California has seen this before, with utility companies facing backlash after deadly wildfires.

As of early Saturday, about 159,000 customers in Southern California were without power. The winds are expected to pick up again, reaching speeds of 40 to 60 miles per hour. It’s a tough situation, and everyone is hoping for some relief soon.