Los Angeles, January 15, 2025 – The Europe Today: Millions across Southern California are under new wildfire warnings as powerful Santa Ana winds threaten to spread flames and exacerbate existing blazes that have already scorched vast areas and claimed at least 24 lives.
The winds, which began gusting over the region’s mountains early Tuesday, are expected to persist, carrying embers for kilometers and increasing the likelihood of new outbreaks. Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley described the situation as “life-threatening and destructive,” emphasizing the widespread impact.
Authorities placed much of Southern California under elevated fire risk, with particular concern for inland areas north of Los Angeles, including Thousand Oaks, Northridge, and Simi Valley—home to over 300,000 people. Crews are on high alert along a 482-kilometer stretch from San Diego to areas far north of Los Angeles.
Utilities preemptively cut power to nearly 90,000 households to prevent downed lines from sparking additional fires. The National Weather Service issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” warning, noting that any new fire could grow explosively under the current conditions.
Firefighting Efforts Intensify
In response to the escalating threat, aircraft deployed fire-retardant chemicals over homes and hillsides, while fire crews and engines positioned themselves in vulnerable, brush-filled areas. Firefighters have been rapidly addressing smaller fires, including a blaze in a dry riverbed near Oxnard on Monday night, which was quickly contained.
“We’ve got helicopters ready to go, to drop water on any new fires,” Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said.
The four largest wildfires near Los Angeles have collectively burned over 163 square kilometers—an area roughly three times the size of Manhattan. Among them, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena is about one-third contained, while the largest blaze in Pacific Palisades remains largely uncontained.
Warnings and Precautions
Officials have warned that winds could reach speeds of up to 112 kilometers per hour, potentially grounding firefighting aircraft and complicating containment efforts. “If winds reach that speed, it’s going to be very difficult to contain that fire,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.
Mayor Karen Bass, who faced earlier criticism for the city’s response, expressed confidence in the region’s readiness. After surveying disaster areas, she likened the aftermath to a “dry hurricane.”
Authorities have also urged people experiencing homelessness to avoid lighting fires to stay warm and to seek shelter instead.
Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that at least 24 people have died and dozens remain missing, though some individuals initially unaccounted for have since been found. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
The region, parched by more than eight months without significant rain, has experienced over a dozen wildfires this year, with most concentrated in the greater Los Angeles area. Red-flag warnings remain in effect through Wednesday, as firefighters brace for continued challenges in battling the flames.
