Although an offshore wind pattern is expected across Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Monday through Friday, the winds are predicted to pose the highest danger Monday night into Tuesday morning.
These winds could potentially reach intensities comparable to the previous gusts that exceeded 90 mph, which were responsible for the catastrophic fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
Los Angeles fire have torched largest urban area in California in at least 40 years
The recent Los Angeles wildfires, namely the Eaton and Palisades fires, have affected more urban territory than any other California fire since the 1980s, according to an Associated Press study. These fires, which began last week, have devastated nearly 4 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles areas, surpassing the urban impact of the 2018 Woolsey Fire by more than twofold, based on data from the University of Wisconsin’s Silvis Lab in Madison.
The increasing occurrence of wildfires in urban settings can be attributed to multiple factors. Urban expansion continues to encroach upon wilderness areas, whilst climate change intensifies global temperatures, resulting in more extreme weather conditions, particularly droughts in the western United States.
Franz Schug, who studies wildland-urban interfaces at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, states: “If these conditions get worse or more frequent in the future, it wouldn’t be surprising, in my opinion, if there were more events that threaten densely populated places.”
‘Humans tend to ignite fires, but also fight fires’
Between 1990 and 2020, California experienced a 40% growth in residential construction within areas where housing meets vegetation, totalling approximately 1.4 million homes, according to the Silvis Lab’s research.
When fires occur near populated regions, they are typically human-induced but are also swiftly controlled. As per David Helmers, a Silvis Lab data scientist and geographer, “Humans tend to ignite fires, but they also fight fires.”
However, the Eaton and Palisades fires proved different, as strong Santa Ana winds overwhelmed firefighting efforts.
Similarly, the Tubbs Fire of 2017 in northern California’s wine region faced intense wind conditions. This fire, which originated from a residential electrical system, devastated Santa Rosa’s suburban areas, claiming 22 lives and destroying over 5,600 structures, including homes and businesses. The destruction of Coffey Park neighbourhood demonstrated how rapidly wildfires can impact residential zones.
Residents seeing homes being burned with fires and traffic jams when first evacuation order came
The initial evacuation directive for areas nearest to the Pacific Palisades wildfire’s origin was issued approximately 40 minutes after some residences had already caught fire, as revealed by an Associated Press investigation of emergency communications and discussions with those who survived.
Analysis of emergency communications monitored by Broadcastify indicated that around 11 am, thirty minutes after the fire’s detection, fire crews were defending properties in the Palisades Highlands area. Within ten minutes, additional teams southward requested assistance to safeguard over a dozen residences along Floresta Drive.
Los Angeles police units received instructions at 11:02 to assemble at a Sunset Boulevard fire station for evacuation preparations. At 11:12, Palisades inhabitants received a wireless alert to prepare for possible evacuation. However, the first official evacuation order wasn’t issued until nearly an hour later. By 11:27, properties on Lachman Lane were ablaze.
“We have several homes burning,” stated one report at 11:33. “All the ornamental vegetation has taken off.”
The Palisades region, including the Highlands, had previously encountered wildfire evacuations and subsequent traffic congestion. The area connects to Los Angeles via only two paved routes: the four-lane Palisades Drive and Fire Drive, a narrow two-lane emergency route. On January 7, flames quickly overwhelmed Fire Drive, according to residents.
Wildfires challenge Olympic preparation
As Los Angeles prepares to host significant sporting events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, World Cup matches in 2026, and a Super Bowl in 2027, the city faces the substantial task of reconstructing homes and essential infrastructure. This situation presents a stark contrast to the initial Olympic proposal, which was promoted as requiring no new construction.
Fortunately, the ongoing fires that affected Pacific Palisades on the city’s westside and Altadena, situated in the San Gabriel Mountains’ foothills above Pasadena, have not damaged any Olympic venues.
The Palisades fire approached Riviera Country Club, the designated Olympic golf venue, which fell within the evacuation area. UCLA, planned to accommodate athletes, was situated just beyond the evacuation boundary.
Following the fires’ outbreak on January 7, several sporting organisations, including the NFL, NBA and college basketball, had to adjust their schedules by relocating or postponing games.
How wildfires affected Hollywood award dates
Hollywood’s awards season has faced disruptions due to ongoing wildfires affecting Los Angeles. Key events, including the Oscars and Grammys, have seen delays and schedule changes as the industry adjusts to the crisis.
Oscar nominations, initially set for January 17, were postponed twice due to the fires, now scheduled for January 23. The nominations will be announced virtually. The Grammys, set for February 2, remain mostly on track, though Universal Music Group canceled related events to support wildfire recovery. The Critics Choice Awards, delayed from January 12, are now scheduled for February 7 and will air live on E!, hosted by Chelsea Handler.
The Producers and Directors Guild Awards are set for February 8, followed by the Writers Guild Awards on February 15. The BAFTA Awards are on February 16, with the Spirit Awards on February 22. SAG Awards follow on February 23, and the Oscars will take place on March 2, as planned.
Inmates battle fires amid harsh conditions, push for equal pay
Over 1,100 California inmates have been working tirelessly in perilous conditions, including fierce winds and toxic smoke, to help Cal Fire combat the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires.
In exchange for reducing their sentences and gaining valuable training, they risk their lives cutting fire lines, clearing vegetation, and removing hazards. Many earn less than $30 per day for their efforts, prompting Assembly member Isaac Bryan to introduce a bill that would ensure inmates are paid the same as the lowest-paid non-incarcerated firefighters.
Bryan emphasizes the need for a conversation about equity, even during a natural disaster.
