Winds began to gain strength on Monday in Malibu, blowing through scorched areas and making conditions more difficult for those trying to dampen the overwhelming fires that endangered L.A. County lives and homes over the last week.
According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, the winds aren’t expected to ease any further despite taking a break over the weekend. The NWS is forecasting that coastal winds could reach 40 to 50 mph on Monday.
“Conditions are expected to worsen for these locations by Tuesday morning as wind gusts near 70 mph will be possible,” NWS Meteorologist Walter Otto said in a Monday weather update, USA Today reported.
Otto shared that winds, low humidities, and dry conditions have created a dangerous Red Flag warning for Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties from Monday night through Wednesday morning.
“These locations will be under a high risk for large fires with potential for very rapid spreading of any fires that may develop,” Otto warned.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone also noted that conditions aren’t expected to get better before Thursday, saying those who want to see the remains of their homes should stay patient.
“Severe fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday,” Marrone said. “The anticipated winds, combined with low humidities and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County critical.”
With conditions the way they are now, Marrone said that residents will have to refrain from seeing the damage done.
“Repopulation will not occur until all areas are safe,” Marrone said.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reports that at least 24 people have been killed by the fires raging across southern California.
The Pacific Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles, has burned more than 36 square miles. For reference, the city of San Francisco is 46 square miles. As of 6 a.m. local time, the fire had been 14% contained, and the Eaton Fire was 33% contained.
Of the other six major fires that have started since last Tuesday, the Hurst Fire near Sylmar is the only other still burning, though it is 89% contained.