12.8 Million People Were Under Red Flag Warnings as L.A. Fires Continued to Burn
Southern California weathered a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” last week as Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 100 mph hit fire-ravaged areas beginning Monday, January 20. The National Weather Service had issued an extremely critical fire risk warning for regions still battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, which claimed 27 lives. The warning extended from noon Monday through 10 a.m. Tuesday, threatening communities from Big Pines to Oxnard.
5 Key Points
- National Weather Service declared a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for the Los Angeles region from January 20-21.
- Peak wind gusts reached up to 100 mph in mountains and foothills and 70 mph along coastline and valleys.
- Palisades Fire burned 23,713 acres with 59% containment.
- Eaton Fire consumed 14,021 acres, reaching 87% containment.
- Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed 27 deaths from the L.A. fires.
Weather Service Issued Critical Warning
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center raised alarm bells Monday morning as meteorologists tracked dangerous conditions moving toward Southern California. The forecast revealed a combination of mild temperatures that could speed fire spread, critically low humidity levels that turned vegetation into potential fuel, and the return of the powerful Santa Ana winds. NWS meteorologist Ariel Cohen stressed the severity of the situation to the San Francisco Chronicle: “This is not the time to be taking this weather lightly at all. We’re on the cusp of another extreme event.” Cohen described the incoming system as “a powerful, damaging wind event,” warning it could create catastrophic fire conditions in areas already devastated by recent blazes.
Widespread Impact Threatened Millions
The warning area spanned across Southern California’s most populous regions, encompassing communities still reeling from the Palisades and Eaton fires. From the mountain community of Big Pines to the coastal city of Oxnard, residents braced for a tense 22-hour period of extreme fire danger. The affected zone included major population centers such as Malibu, where residents carried fresh memories of previous fire seasons and the sprawling Santa Clarita Valley. The densely populated San Fernando Valley communities of Burbank and Thousand Oaks fell within the warning area, as did the high-desert city of Palmdale and the suburban enclave of Simi Valley. The scope of the red flag warnings impacted approximately 12.8 million residents, marking one of the most widespread fire weather events in recent Southern California history.
Fire Crews Battled Against Time
Fire crews raced to contain the existing fires before the winds arrived, facing formidable challenges. The Palisades Fire, which had already consumed an area nearly twice the size of Manhattan, remained stubbornly active with only 59% containment. Firefighters made better progress with the Eaton Fire, achieving 87% containment, but the incoming Santa Ana winds threatened to reverse their hard-won progress. These fires extracted a devastating human toll, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirming 27 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest fire events in recent California history. The Eaton Fire response included a notable success story, where a television producer and neighbors used garden hoses to save seven homes, demonstrating community resilience in the face of disaster.
FAQ
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I or a loved one were harmed in a wildfire caused by negligence?
A: If you or a loved one suffered injuries or loss of life in a wildfire caused by negligence, legal options may be available. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: When will the dangerous wind conditions begin and end?
A: The warning period runs from noon local time on Monday through 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Q: How strong will the Santa Ana winds be?
A: Wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph along the coastline and valleys and up to 100 mph in mountains and foothills.
Q: Which areas are under the “extremely critical” fire risk warning?
A: The warning covers areas from Big Pines and communities north of Pomona to Ventura and Oxnard, including Malibu, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Burbank.
Q: How many people are affected by the red flag warnings?
A: Approximately 12.8 million people in Southern California are under red flag warnings.
Q: What is the current status of the major fires?
A: The Palisades Fire is 59% contained, with 23,713 acres burned, while the Eaton Fire is 87% contained, with 14,021 acres burned.
Citations
Adams, Abigail (January 20, 2025). “Forecasters Warn of New ‘Extremely Critical’ Fire Risk in Southern California as Blazes Continue to Burn.” MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/forecasters-warn-of-new-extremely-critical-fire-risk-in-southern-california-as-blazes-continue-to-burn/ar-AA1xxxGf