Officials announced Monday morning that firefighters in the Los Angeles region are positioned to respond to the weather warning for a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is now in effect through Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, this is the third PDS warning in 14 days, which is “unprecedented” for this region. A PDS warning was in effect when the Palisades and Eaton fires started on January 7.
Mayor Karen Bass encouraged citizens to be ready in case they need to evacuate during a news conference on Monday, stating that Los Angeles municipal and area partner firemen are pre-deployed.
“Angelenos, it is hopeful that we are about 48 hours away from turning the page on this particular emergency,” Bass stated. “But until then, we are going to do everything we can to keep you safe.”
With only 10% relative humidity, vegetation is extremely dry, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley.
“This means that if it is ignited, extreme fire weather and behavior is probable,” she stated.
“Now I urge everyone to stay alert as the fire danger has not yet passed,” Crowley said. “Please follow all evacuation warnings and orders without delay and prioritize your safety.”
With 5,125 workers assigned to the Palisades Fire area, the problem is 59% contained.
According to Crowley, resources such as engines and fire patrols are placed strategically in high-risk locations throughout the city, and fire staff will be increased in the Palisades Fire zone. In anticipation of any potential new fires, she said, regional and state partners have set up fire engines and planes throughout Southern California.
“We’re also strategically managing our emergency operations to ensure rapid response to all new fires and anything that is anticipated with our increased call volume within the entire city of Los Angeles,” she stated.
In order to facilitate quick response in hillside areas, a red flag parking restriction has also been implemented in some selected locations.
According to Crowley, the response differs from that on January 7 since more federal resources are already available in the area.
Crowley remarked, “In fact, I’m aware of additional super scoopers that are here ready to serve us, standing by, in addition to everything that is pre-deployed in the area in case anything breaks out,” with reference to the rescue planes. “And that’s just on the federal, state and local level.”
In addition to the additional strike teams in place, engines are already pre-deployed in Sun Valley at Station 77, Woodland Hills at Station 84, West Los Angeles at Station 59, and the Hollywood Hills at Station 82, according to Crowley.
“Now remember, it’s very, very important: Flying embers from wildfire conditions can destroy homes from over a mile away.” “Crowley said.” She suggested that residents remove brush within 200 feet of their homes as a protective step.
According to Bass, efforts are still being made to securely return inhabitants to their houses within the fire zone. She advised residents who have been evacuated to check the city portal to determine if neighborhoods are open for repopulation, as there is still limited re-entry.
“Our Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff has hit the ground running in leading the first phase of the recovery and we will have more updates about his work and our road to recovery later this week,” Bass stated.
Bass added during the press conference on Monday that she hopes to meet with President Donald Trump.
“I am aware that this visit will be brief… It’s not like things cut off from day to day,” she added. “I’ll say, ‘Welcome to Los Angeles,’ and then immediately go into what we’re facing right now and how we expect to continue the federal collaboration, which we already have.” “And it is my hope that he will be very supportive.”