Los Angeles is grappling with the devastating impact of multiple wildfires, prompting an urgent warning from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to Southern California residents.
With life-threatening winds escalating the danger across the county, the department issued a critical red flag warning at 2:20pm local time (10:20pm GMT), advising locals to be “ready to go” in case the situation deteriorates.
CAL Fire’s online message warned: “Southern California is facing critical fire weather through Wednesday. Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California – from Ventura to San Diego – creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread. The winds will cause increased fire activity.”
They also shared safety tips to reduce potential damage, including refraining from mowing or trimming dry grass on windy days, avoiding parking on dry grass, ensuring campfires are fully extinguished, and reporting any suspicious signs to prevent arson.
The agency emphasized that state resources, bolstered by aid from other states and countries, are prepared to combat the fires and protect lives and property.
The California wildfires have claimed 16 lives so far, with another 16 individuals reported missing. Over 10,000 homes have been reduced to ashes, displacing countless residents as they flee the encroaching flames.
With the situation expected to deteriorate, Chief Crowley of the LA Fire Department has assured Californians that her team is “ready” to face the heightened challenge posed by the incoming winds.
She warned that higher winds are approaching “very, very quickly” and emphasized that all agencies are “ready for this next event”, reports The Mirror.
However, she stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging people to evacuate when told, avoid roads, and steer clear of affected areas. “We need your help as much as you need our help” she stated on Sunday.
Adding to the urgency, California Fire Director Joe Tyler highlighted that winds are picking up across Los Angeles and other impacted regions including Riverside, Orange County, and San Diego. He called on residents to be alert, saying: “we all need to be prepared”.
Tyler also insisted on the importance of heeding evacuation orders from firefighters and law enforcement, reminding everyone to “Listen to firefighter and law enforcement officer commands regarding evacuations”.