Several counties in Southern California are facing “extremely critical” wildfire warnings due to hot, dry temperatures and strong winds that are creating dangerous fire conditions.
On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a rare red flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, highlighting the “extreme fire risk” from Malibu to the San Gabriel Mountains, where wind gusts could reach nearly 100 mph.
The Santa Ana winds, originating from the desert and known for their dry, warm nature, are fueling the fire risk by drying out vegetation. By Wednesday, at least two fires had already broken out in the region.
The Mountain Fire in Ventura County has spread across 10,000 acres, leading to evacuations and the destruction of homes, while several people have been injured.
Local officials reported that fixed-wing aircraft cannot assist due to extreme wind conditions, but ground crews and helicopters are working to protect lives and property.
Evacuation orders have been issued in several areas of Ventura County.
In Los Angeles County’s Malibu area, the Broad Fire has burned over 50 acres near South Malibu Canyon Road and the Pacific Coast Highway, prompting evacuation alerts and road closures.
The Santa Ana wind event, which started on Wednesday, will peak that day, then diminish on Thursday, with lighter winds expected by Friday. Winds of 20 to 40 mph, gusting to 60 mph, are forecasted for Southern California’s canyons and passes, with another surge of strong winds expected overnight into Thursday morning.
Winds will weaken considerably by Thursday afternoon.
