Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has issued a warning to residents in Southern California as severe wind conditions continue to fuel wildfires across the region. The combination of low humidity and strong winds poses a significant risk for new fires to ignite and existing ones to spread rapidly. Crowley emphasized the importance of staying alert and prioritizing safety, as the threat has not yet subsided.
According to CNN, wind gusts could reach up to 70 miles per hour in the mountains and between 30 to 50 miles per hour along the coast. The Santa Ana winds are expected to continue, carrying embers that could spark new fires across the region. The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7, has already destroyed about 5,000 structures and claimed eight lives, while the Eaton Fire has resulted in 17 deaths and damaged around 7,000 structures.
The fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of residents, with nearly 90,000 households experiencing power outages as utilities shut off electricity to prevent further blazes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating 24 missing persons cases, and the LAPD is handling 13 active cases, two of which are believed to be fatalities.
Authorities are urging residents to follow evacuation orders and remain vigilant as the situation remains dangerous. The winds are expected to decrease after Wednesday (January 17), with a slight chance of rain by the weekend.
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