Southern California is under an extremely critical fire warning even as firefighters battle to control current blazes.
Southern California is braced for “extremely critical fire conditions” caused by a new period of Santa Ana winds today through tomorrow across parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as the battle to contain raging blazes goes on.
Fanned by strong winds, the wildfires have killed at least 24 people and swept through 40,000 acres in the Greater Los Angeles area, destroying entire communities and more than 12,300 structures.
The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, has burned more than 23,000 acres and was only 18% contained this afternoon as it threatened Brentwood, Encino and Westwood.
Evacuation orders are in effect for 88,000 residents of Los Angeles, and 89,000 are in evacuation warning zones, which means they may need to leave at a moment’s notice.
Los Angeles County has declared a public health emergency, warning that smoke and particulate matter could pose immediate and long-term threats.
