The San Diego County Lilac Fire prompted an evacuation.
The Lilac Fire in San Diego County prompted evacuations and is under investigation.
SAN DIEGO – Dry vegetation and strong winds added to the severe fire weather conditions in Southern California on Wednesday, putting the blaze-ravaged region on high alert as firefighters battled several volcanoes.
A red flag warning remained in effect Thursday night for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties due to decreasing humidity and an expected increase in Santa Ana winds. According to the National Weather Service. Winds of up to 50 mph were forecast for parts of the region, with isolated gusts of 75 mph for San Diego County and the Santa Ana Mountains.
“If a fire does occur, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior and rapid fire growth, which will endanger life and property,” the weather service said in a red flag warning.
Fire crews in San Diego County battled several small brush fires that broke out Tuesday but were quickly extinguished. The largest fire, the Lilac Fire, burned 85 acres and was 50% contained as of Tuesday night.
The Lilac Fire initially prompted evacuations in Bonsall, a small community about 45 minutes north of San Diego, which were later lifted. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said that while the evacuation was lifted, some roads remained closed as crews “continue to work in the area to mitigate hazards and strengthen control lines.”
In Los Angeles County, firefighters made progress against the Palisades and Eaton fires that destroyed more than 15,000 structures and killed at least 28 people. Officials have warned that weather conditions could cause the fire to spread or spark new fires.
Rain is expected to ease severe fire conditions in Southern California this weekend, providing much-needed relief for thousands of firefighters, although officials warn the rain could bring potential dangers to the region. is
“Almost everywhere in coastal Southern California, as well as the mountains of Southern California, should get some rain this weekend.” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Hoke said in an online forecast.
According to AccuWeather, downtown Los Angeles hasn’t seen measurable rain since Dec. 24, when just 0.02 inches fell.
before the rain, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass “Issued an executive order to contain the burn areas and stop the flow of toxic debris,” he said, adding, “This is to prevent additional damage to areas already damaged by the fire and to our watershed, To protect beaches and oceans from toxic runoff.”
The ordinance calls for the installation of barriers, debris removal and diversion of runoff from the city’s stormwater system to its sewer system, where the water can be treated.
Fire officials in Riverside County halted the progress of a wildfire Tuesday in a river bed in the Jurupa Valley.
The Clay Fire was reported around 5pm local time, and quickly spread to 39 acres, triggering evacuation warnings. plants, Cal Fire saidwas burning at the bottom of the Santa Ana River. Heavy and dense fuel ignited the flames slowly.
Within hours, the warnings were lifted as firefighters put out the remaining embers. The cause of the fire is under investigation. According to Cal Fire. Containment, as of Tuesday night, was at 40%.
As of Tuesday evening, the Palisades fire was 65 percent contained at 23,448 acres. Cal Fire. The Eaton Fire had burned 14,021 acres and was 89 percent contained.
“Firefighters continue to make progress, and officials are reevaluating evacuation orders to ensure a safe return,” read a Tuesday report on the Palisades Fire. “Crews are working with utility providers to repair infrastructure and respond to hazards such as downed trees and downed power lines. The public is reminded to be aware of current fire conditions.”
Cal Fire said firefighters continue to work to establish “direct control lines” and extinguish hot spots within the perimeter of the fire.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in an update Tuesday that at least 28 people have died in the two fires. At least 17 people died in the Eaton fire, while another 11 died in the Palisades fire.
