The weather will subside temporarily to give Southern California firefighters a hand in attempting to contain multiple blazes, but winds will intensify once more on Thursday afternoon, potentially worsening the situation in localized spots. There’s also no rain expected over the area for the next two weeks ahead.
As a result of the fast-growing wildfires near Los Angeles, Calif., at least 5 people have been killed and hundreds of buildings have been destroyed. The fires have scorched hillsides and prompted officials to order approximately 100,000 people to evacuate their homes, including several celebrities with properties in the affected areas. According to Reuters, a lack of water also hampered efforts, particularly in Pacific Palisades, where a wildfire has consumed nearly 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) and 1,000 structures, as of early Thursday morning.
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A particularly dangerous situation (PDS)-level red flag fire warning came to an end in most areas in Southern California on Wednesday afternoon, with the alert remaining in place in areas well to the south of the biggest fires. Areas in a red flag warning will have an increased risk for large fires with very rapid spread, and extreme fire behaviour.
Winds subside, but no rain in the long range forecast
Winds have subsided from what they were over the past couple of days, and gusts will be relatively light in Los Angeles and surrounding communities Thursday.
Baron – California wind gusts Thursday afternoon – Jan9
The stronger wind gusts will be blocked by the mountains, with a couple of areas seeing some winds sneak through the valleys and gaps in the mountains. Santa Ana winds are expected once again on Thursday, but will be more localized.
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There is zero rain expected in the next two weeks, so conditions will remain favourable for further fire development.
Baron – California low level smoke – Jan9
As of Thursday morning, the Palisades wildfire has burned around 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) to date. That compares to half the size of Regina, Sask.
The Eaton blaze has burned 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres), Hurst fire has consumed 350 hectares (855 acres), and the Woodley fire has burned 12.14 hectares (30 acres). So far, the wildfires are zero per cent contained. In all, roughly 12,000 (29,000 acres) hectares have burned.
Low-level smoke forecast in Southern California Thursday
To help with the wildfires, two Quebec water bombers and their crews are in California currently. The provincial Transport Ministry’s website says Quebec has been sending two Canadian-made CL-415 firefighting aircraft and their crews to Los Angeles each year as part of a deal dating back to 1994, The Canadian Press reported. B.C.-based Coulson Aviation has also sent crews and equipment to help.
As of Wednesday afternoon, approximately 300,000 customers were without power in Southern California.
Thumbnail contains image of the Palisades wildfire. It is courtesy of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
With files from Reuters, The Canadian Press.
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